DofE

The Award consists of a personal programme that gives recognition for activities already undertaken but also encourages new experiences and adventure. There is a great sense of satisfaction in completing the Award and it is valued highly by universities and prospective employers.

St Edward’s offers all three levels of the award Gold, Silver and Bronze. All Shells, whether they are registered for the Bronze Award or not, undertake a four-day camp in the Peak District at the end of the year. This includes a 2-day walk with an overnight camp. Training in camp craft, menu planning, basic first aid and cookery skills is provided during the Spring Term. Silver takes place in the Fourth Form and Gold can be started aged sixteen so typically at the start of Lower Sixth. At all levels of the Award there are different sections:

Volunteering
To help other people, the community, the environment or animals in need. Fund-raising, charity shop work, church work, sports coaching and recycling have been popular choices in recent years.

Skill
This is about developing or learning a new hobby. There is a very wide range to choose from including some of the more popular at St Edward’s: music, theatre and ceramics.

Physical
This involves taking part in a sport or physical activity. Major sports can be included but others such as dance and horse riding are also popular.

Expedition
We offer two possible modes of travel for the expedition; walking and canoeing. A key part of the expedition process is the planning and preparation with practice expeditions being crucial. Recent destinations for our expeditions have included the rivers Severn and Wye, New Forest, Exmoor, Snowdonia and the Lake District. Expeditions are managed by our experienced staff.

Residential Project
This is only required at Gold, where a purposeful project is followed for a week in an unfamiliar environment. Again the choice is very wide; cooking courses are popular, but others have included sailing, a stalking course, cathedral camps and revision courses.

Those who achieve the Gold Award are presented with their badges at Gaudy and are then invited to St James’s Palace to receive their certificate. 

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