What is The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an internationally recognised and acclaimed qualification which gives students opportunities to:

  • Develop valuable transferable skills which will help to equip them for life outside of the academy
  • Develop teamwork and leadership skills
  • Enhance their level of independence

Through active participation in the DofE, we aim to empower students to become active citizens and positive role models in the 21st Century.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award logo, there’s a large “D” & “E“, and the word “of“ in the middle of them

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at The Ruth Gorse Academy

Participants may enrol for their Bronze Award at the start of the academic year of their fourteenth birthday. At The Ruth Gorse Academy we offer Bronze Award in Year 9 and Silver Award in Year 10. Please note, students must have completed Bronze Award before progressing to Silver Award.

What is involved?

The successful completion of the Bronze Award will see each participant spending at least three months engaging in the following activities:

  1. Volunteering in the local community
  2. Pursuing a skill or hobby
  3. Taking part in physical recreation

One of the sections above must be continued for a total of six months. Students are also required to plan, train for and complete a self-sufficient walking expedition. At The Ruth Gorse Academy, we have DofE qualified members of staff who, together with the specialist knowledge of our contacts at Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, have developed a comprehensive training programme which provides students with the skills and knowledge to complete their expedition.

What can you gain?

We firmly believe that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an enormously positive experience for students. Benefits include:

  • Increased self-confidence
  • Independence
  • Sense of responsibility
  • Development of new skills
  • New friendships
  • Ability to lead and work as part of a team

Students who complete the Award report a strong sense of achievement and enjoyment.

In addition, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award is the equivalent to a GCSE and is looked upon favourably by prospective colleges, universities and employers.

Still want to know more?

Please visit the DofE website to find out more: DofE – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

For more information about how to sign up, please see Mr Jepson in G1.

“When doing my volunteering, physical and skill I did find it tough and debated not doing it but when I finished my expedition, I realised how much I loved doing it and I regretted nothing. If anything, I really want to do my silver award.” – Year 11

“The expedition allows you to take a break in nature from the stresses of the outside world.” – Year 10

“The views throughout the route were amazing! Diverse wildlife everywhere.” – Year 11

“It was an eye-opening experience. It helped me to expand my horizons and take more of an interest in various activities completed in the process” – Year 11

“DofE taught me that pushing myself through hard moments only leads to extremely worthwhile rewards” – Year 10

“I got to make some new friendships and made new memories; I will remember these forever.” – Year 11