duke of edinburgh

Course Overview

This course is designed to allow students to prove that they can achieve a number of different goals, over a period of more than a year, independently. Check the links to the frequently asked questions page for each of the areas below for more information.

Students will show progress in, or develop new abilities in, the following areas:

• Volunteering. Examples would be helping younger people in a sport or working unpaid for a nature reserve, Scouts or Guides or for a charity.

• Skills. This could include playing a musical instrument, showing proficiency in cooking or gardening or one of 100’s of other activities that count towards this section.

• Physical. Almost any sport will count towards the physical section.

• Expedition. Students complete 2 long hikes over both days of two weekends, camping overnight on the Saturday.

Further information on the award scheme can be found by visiting the official Duke of Edinburgh website:

Duke of Edinburgh official website

Entry Requirements

This course is available for students entering Year 10. Students must be able to work well, both independently and in a group. It is essential that they are well-organised. You must be able to commit several hours a week to DoE. To pass you will need to be able to attend weekly one hour meetings. Two of the Volunteering/Skills/Physical sections will require a participation rate averaging 1 hour/week for three months. The third will require you to participate in it for 1 hour/week for six months (you decide which will be your six month section).

Places are strictly limited on this programme and demand for these spaces is usually high. As such, it may be that you are placed on a waitlist. Where demand exceeds available spaces, priority will be given to those that submit their applications on time and who have excellent character for learning grades. Students who have not been successful in gaining a place o this programme will be automatically placed on a wait list and we will contact students if a place becomes available.

code of conduct

Due to the practical nature of this programme we must ensure the health and safety of all participants. As such we expect students to abide by the code of conduct. This outlines what might happen should you fail to attend the required sessions or behave in a manner that places the health, safety and enjoyment of students in jeopardy.

Students accepted in this programme will receive a code of conduct upon our return in September, it must be signed by both students and parents/carers. You will not be permitted to begin the programme until the code of conduct is received.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on all 4 elements of the DoE by the West Sussex County Council Area Co-ordinator. Students will also be assessed on their Qualifying Expedition by independent assessors. To pass, both expeditions will have been successfully completed and you will have demonstrated clear progression in all of the other three elements. The Volunteering, Skill and Physical sections will have been signed off as completed by a qualified adult that you have worked with in each area before being considered by the WSCC Area Co-ordinator.

Practical information

Who will deliver the course?

We are currently in the process of appointing a new Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinator. As soon as this post is filled we will advise applicants of the staff member and the dates of meetings etc.

When?

The weekly meeting dates are yet to be confirmed. We will be able to advise the day upon appointment of the new co-ordinator.

Groups will be expected to attend additional meetings which are determined by the group members.

What will you need?

Students need a sleeping bag, rollmat, waterproof clothing and walking boots. Students may be able to borrow such equipment by paying a deposit.

The cost?

The cost of the course will be approximately £150. Payment will be required upon our return in September. Please do speak to us if this presents a concern. This includes the cost of the two expeditions and access to the online services which students must use to submit their evidence and actually complete their award.

Can I study this with other additional qualifications?

DoE has a very high time requirement. It would therefore be unsuitable to undertake it alongside another qualification.

Staff Contact

Course Leader: To be confirmed

Contact: To be confirmed

In the meantime please do contact Ms Fitzgerald should you have any queries.