Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award programme is a four part, evidence-based course comprising of a range of different challenges as follows:

  • Volunteering – donating your time for the greater good
  • Physical – demonstrating a regular activity
  • Skills – learning a new skill
  • Final Expedition – a hike/expedition

Here at Penrice, we offer the Bronze and Silver challenges. Bronze can be started in Year 9. Silver can then be started in Year 10 or Year 11. Completion of Gold Award can be completed at post-16 further education providers.

Bronze Challenge

It will usually take students at least 6 months to complete the Bronze programme.
– Volunteering: 3 months
– Physical: 3 months
– Skills: 3 months
– Expedition: 2 days/1 night

Students also have to spend an extra three months on one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections. Students can decide which one.

Silver Challenge

It will take students at least 6 months for Silver if they have already achieved your Bronze, or 12 months if they have jumped straight into Silver.

– Volunteering: 6 months
– Physical and Skills: One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months
– Expedition: 3 days/2 nights

If Silver candidates have not previously studied Bronze then they must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.

How to Sign Up

Expressions of interest are now open for our next cohort of Duke of Edinburgh students. If you are currently in Year 8 or above, please complete the below online form to let Ms Penrose know you are interested.

 
Alternatively, if you have any questions, please email Ms Penrose via apenrose@penrice.org.uk or speak to her in school.

Final Words

Ms Alison Penrose
DofE Coordinator at Penrice Academy

When asked about both Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors, Ms Penrose said:

“Do it. It will change you.
 
It will give you skills that you didn’t know you could learn. It will stand out on your CV, and it will give you the confidence that you can do anything you want to do if you set your mind to it.”