DofE Commences

It’s the same time of year again. The time where many students across the country begin to worry about gaining major qualifications for their CV’s in the form of the DofE(Duke of Edinburgh) award. For some it may be a great deal of stress but for others a chance of self-improvement. But how do people take the challenge and end up completing the task of The Duke of Edinburgh and what struggles do they have to do to get their award.

What Is The Award?

It's a prestigious award which requires the participant to complete a series of tasks and challenges that one would have to do to receive the skills in life and work for their future as well as gaining the notorious bronze, silver or gold awards

Who is involved?

The ages vary between 14-24 year olds in school, with year 10s doing bronze awards, year 11 doing silvers and year 12 doing golds, but don't worry if you missed it, you can do DofE gold direct if you are older than 18. You can also get the training to become a helper or administrator as an adult.

When does it happen?

Practice for bronze silver and gold starts 28th march until 28th april across several days. It takes you to new lengths and requires you to do many of the tasks over a long duration of time. This would make sure one would practise the tasks required and show endurance in their character.

Why should we get involved?

When we came across this question we wondered why wouldn’t you? We also spoke to a current participant doing their first bronze level. Aidan told us that “It’s honestly the thing that’s pushed me the most. The countless times I’ve wanted to quit and lie was ridiculous. But so far I’m doing good.” We asked him why he actually did it and he told us that he “Did it at first to improve my CV, but I also wanted to prove to others and myself that I could do it.” He asked us not to record him.

How do we get involved?

Student can ask at their local DofE centre, where they can plan their activities. If they don’t have one, they can a nearby organiser or teacher to help them with planning.

Where will practise be?

The practise beforehand would usually take place in class with your schools DofE helpers. Then there would be a few tasks you need to complete. You would be required to do three months of volunteering, as well as three months of physical activity and a skill session for up to six months, then finally an expedition of two days.