The Award framework

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE) is a globally recognised youth development programme that encourages personal discovery, growth, and service. Open to anyone aged 14 to 24, the Award is divided into three progressive levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each offering young people opportunities to develop new skills, improve physical health, help others, and experience adventure.

Award Sections

Voluntary Service

Participants volunteer in their communities, make a positive contribution to society and demonstrate social responsibility.

Physical Recreation

Encourages young people to improve their fitness and performance, and enjoy healthy lifestyles for good mental and physical well-being.

Skills

Enables participants to develop their talents, broaden their abilities, increase their self-confidence and improve their employability.

Adventurous Journey

Young people discover a spirit of adventure and gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the great outdoors.

Gold Residential Project

Participants broaden their experience by staying in an unfamiliar environment with other young people, taking part in a worthwhile project and building new relationships.

How to Participate

Choose Your Activities : Select one activity for each section of the Award (e.g. Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, etc.). You can either build on something you already do or try something completely new.
Set Your SMART Goals : Work with your Award Leader or Assessor to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. These goals will help guide your progress and keep you focused.
Record Your Progress : Log your weekly activities, reflections, and evidence using the Online Record Book (ORB). Keeping consistent records is essential for verifying your Award.
Find an Assessor for Each Section : Choose someone with relevant experience or knowledge in your chosen activity (e.g. a coach, instructor, teacher). Assessors must not be a family member. They will monitor your progress and complete a final report.
Stay Committed and Enjoy the Journey : Complete the required time for each section, maintain regular effort, and make the most of this unique opportunity to grow, explore, and contribute to your community.

To register as a participant, please contact: Aj. Warot or Ms. Paladias Email: DofE@amnuaysilpa.ac.th

Are your targets S.M.A.R.T.?

When setting your goals for each section of the Award, you will need to create S.M.A.R.T. Goals. This ensures that your targets are clear, realistic, and focused. Your Assessor will help you agree on these goals at the start of each section. Each letter in S.M.A.R.T. stands for:

be Specific about your goals

are they Measurable?

is it Achievable?

are they Realistic?

how much Time will it take?

Making Your Goals S.M.A.R.T. – Example

Let’s say your chosen activity is running for your Physical Recreation section. Here's how you can set a S.M.A.R.T. Goal around that:

Final S.M.A.R.T. Goal Statement:

“Over the next 3 months, I will improve my cardiovascular fitness by running 3 km, three times per week. I will track each run using a running app and aim to gradually improve my pace and stamina.”

Why “Plan – Do – Review” Matters in the Award

The Plan – Do – Review cycle is at the heart of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. It’s not just about “doing an activity” — it’s about learning through experience. This simple yet powerful cycle helps participants develop the skills, mindset, and reflective habits that the Award aims to instil.

Choosing the Right Assessor

Each section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award must be assessed by someone knowledgeable and experienced in the activity area. The assessor will confirm that you've committed to your goal, made progress, and met the required time and effort.

What is an Assessor?

An Assessor is someone with experience or qualifications related to your chosen activity, who:

Understands the requirements of the Award
Can observe your progress over time
Is willing to complete a short report once you finish the section

They do not need to supervise you every session — just check in from time to time and verify your development.

❌ Who cannot be an Assessor?

Family members or close relatives (e.g. parents, siblings, cousins)
Close friends who may not be able to give objective feedback
Peers or classmates, unless they are formally qualified and recognised

What should the Assessor do?

Before you start: Meet (or email) your Assessor and agree on your SMART Goal for the activity. Explain the Award requirements and your timeline.
During the activity: Keep a record of your progress (e.g. photos, log entries, reflections) and check in with your Assessor occasionally.
After completing the section: Ask your Assessor to write a short final report (usually 1 paragraph) confirming your regular participation, attitude, and progress.

Summary of Award Requirements

Further Information: For additional details, please contact Dofe@amnuaysilpa.ac.th

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