We started running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Driffield School in 2018 when a group of students, who were keen to be able to complete their Gold Award, suggested the school should become a licensed organisation, as the local authority no longer offered a DofE programme. This starting story is worth noting for the legacy our very first Duke of Edinburgh participants have left behind, and it speaks volumes for the worthiness of the award; the students themselves wanted us to offer the programme in school.
Since we became a licensed organisation, we have had students achieve all three award levels; Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Generally, we will recruit new participants onto the Bronze Award when they are in Year 9, Silver in Year 10, and Gold when in Sixth Form.
The expedition section is a big focus of a young person’s DofE Award, and the expedition sections get harder and progressively longer as you progress through the Bronze, Silver and finally Gold Awards. We have taken expeditions locally (around Hornsea, Cranswick, Huggate and Allerthorpe); in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park; The Howardian Hills; and even so far as the Lake District.
“DofE was a great experience for me, it was something new and fun. It allowed me to develop new skills that will be useful in the future and also form new friendships and memories I’ll never forget.”
Leah, Bronze and Silver Award
Alongside their expeditions, students must work on a ‘volunteering, skills, and physical’ section of their award at all three award levels. Over the years, we have had students participate in many varied activities for their award sections, including: improving on their personal fitness, team sports, learning new skills in the kitchen, teaching family members to play instruments, helping the elderly, dog walking, sports coaching, helping at Brownies/Guides, sewing items to help children undergoing cancer treatments, and so much more.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gives our students the opportunity to develop new skills, broaden their horizons, and grow as individuals. It has helped us instil confidence and self-worth into our students, as their testaments demonstrate.
Here is what to expect at each level
- Bronze award – Year 9
There are four sections to get involved with and these are ;
Volunteering (3 months service)
Skill (3 month skill development)
Physical (3 months developing a physical skill)
Expedition (2 days and 1 night – practice and assessment)
- Silver award – Year 10
There are four sections to get involved with and these are ;
Volunteering (6 months service)
Skill (6 month skill development)
Physical (6 months developing a physical skill)
Expedition (3 days and 2 nights – practice and assessment)
- Gold award – Year 12
There are five sections to get involved with and these are:
Volunteering (12 months service)
Skill (12 or 6 months service)
Physical (12 or 6 months service)
(Skill and Physical must total 18 months service combined)
Expedition (4 days and 5 nights – practice and assessment)
Residential (5 days and 4 nights)
“DofE was an amazing experience that hugely helped with my confidence and independence. A few blisters and bruises aside, it was the best opportunity to gain new skills and have fun with friends.”
Molly, Silver Award
If you wish to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh programme, please complete the application form below.
DofE Enrolment Letter 13.10.22
Driffield DofE Enrolment form October 2022
For further information, please visit the Duke of Edinburgh website here