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Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from, you just need to be aged between 14 and 24, and realise there is more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by. The scheme is currently offered in over 140 countries and helps to turn the things you love, and the things you’ve always wanted to try, into powerful lifelong skills that can help you get a job, change your community and take on anything life throws your way.
At Orleans Park we offer both the Bronze (Year 9) and Gold (Over 16) Award, with the aim to introduce our students to exciting, positive, challenging and enjoyable activities to do in their free time. It is recognition of the huge effort you have put in to doing it, the people you have helped and the skills you have learnt along the way.
Key Contacts
| Staff Member | Position |
|---|---|
| Mr Turner | DofE Lead |
| Mr Bentley | DofE Lead |
| Ms Van Essen | DofE Administrator |
If you have any questions regarding your application or the DofE at Orleans Park, please email any of our DofE Team at dofe@orleanspark.school
| The Bronze Award |
|---|
The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award starts in Year 9 and students can start registering interest from the beginning of Year 9 or the year they turn 14. This includes if they turn 14 in the 12 months after sign up.
Your Bronze Award journey starts here. Watch the short film below which gives you an excellent introduction to the award and what you should expect:
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme has also created this easy to read presentation, with gives you a wealth of information about the Bronze Award. Click on the link below to read or download:
- Volunteering: This can be anything from volunteering in a charity shop, helping to run a sport's club or working with the environment in a local park or nature reserve.
- Physical: Playing a sport regularly. Any activity which improves your health or physical fitness counts so going to the gym, playing club football, swimming, or boccia all are perfect for this section.
- Skill: Examples include: playing a musical instrument, performing magic, web design, but feel free to challenge yourself. Why not try rocket making or snail farming?
- Expedition: Two separate two-day trekking and camping excursions into the English countryside. Be prepared to push yourself physically and mentally and, of course, have lots of fun.
Registration of Interest
Register of Interest for the DofE Bronze Award for 2025/26 has now closed.
Bronze Award FAQs
Useful Links
Below you will find useful links to help with your Bronze Award, including the volunteering, physical and skill sections of the Award:
How to change your DofE Activity
How to complete a section of the Bronze Award
The Bronze Expedition
The expedition location can change from year to year depending on the number of students, the weather conditions and trail access. Students and families will receive full details of the expedition via letters home. Below are key documents in order to prepare:
| The Gold Award |
|---|
The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award: A Journey of Adventure and Achievement.
Your Gold Award journey starts here. Watch the short film below which gives you an excellent introduction to the award and what you should expect:
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme has also created this easy to read presentation, with gives you a wealth of information about the Gold Award. Click on the link below to read or download:
The Gold DofE Award is the pinnacle of personal and physical challenge, offering young people an unforgettable journey that pushes boundaries and unlocks potential. Designed for those aged 16 and over, this prestigious award is about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing adventure, and achieving something extraordinary.
As a Gold participant, you'll embark on an exhilarating experience, from mastering new skills and giving back to your community, to conquering the great outdoors in a thrilling expedition. The Gold Award is more than a program, it’s a life-changing challenge where you’ll meet new people, discover your inner strength, and develop invaluable skills for the future.
- Five life-enriching sections make up the Gold Award:
- Volunteering: Make a real difference in the world, helping causes you're passionate about.
- Physical: Push your limits and commit to improving your fitness and well-being.
- Skills: Dive into an exciting new hobby or perfect an existing talent.
- Expedition: Tackle the wild in a four-day, three-night adventure that demands teamwork, resilience, and navigation.
- Residential: Spend time away from home on a 5-day residential, immersing yourself in a new environment with people you've never met before, forging new friendships and learning to thrive independently.
The Gold DofE Award is recognised by employers and universities across the globe as a mark of determination, leadership, and perseverance. More than that, it's a story of personal growth—a tale of challenge, triumph, and memories that last a lifetime.
Dare to go for Gold, and you'll discover a world of possibilities, adventures, and achievements awaiting you. Ready to take on your next big adventure? The Gold DofE Award is your gateway to achieving the extraordinary.
Register of Interest
Register of Interest for the DofE Gold Award for 2025/26 has now closed.
Useful Links
How to change your DofE Activity
How to complete a section of the Gold Award
The Gold Expedition & Residential
Students and families will receive full details of the expedition and residential via letters home. Below are key documents in order to prepare: