The Duke of Edinburgh is a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life. Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and uni and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.

14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Click here for further information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme and to access resources provided by the DofE.

Bronze Award

At Great Baddow High School we offer the Bronze Award to students in Year 10.

There are four sections to complete. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning and training for and completing an expedition.

Students are invited to register their interest in the November of Year 10, so that by the end December they can be informed if they have secured a place on the course, can be enrolled and the first payment made by parents.

From January to March students should aim to complete all three sections of their personal plan for three months. Students should spend one hour per week on the Physical Development, Skill Development and Volunteering elements, so a commitment of three hours a week is required.

From April to June students complete the additional three months in one of their personal plan activities, Physical Development, Skill Development or Volunteering.

In April we run an Expedition training day at school covering First Aid, Map Reading, Kit and Packing, Tents and Cooking on Trangias.

In May students take part in the Practice Expedition, followed by the Assessed Expedition in June.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a great opportunity for our students to get involved in something new, volunteer in our community and to develop the skills to be active citizens in the wider world.

Summary of Key Dates