HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, founded The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 1956. Today, Prince Edward is now 'Head' of the organisation, although it retains the original title. DofE is a flexible programme that helps develop young people for life and work. It gives them the chance to do something completely new and improve on things they are already doing. It takes them out of their comfort zone and into a place where they push themselves and have amazing new experiences. They build confidence, resilience, skills for work and friendship groups.

Looking forward, the DofE can help young people carve out a better future for themselves. Colleges, universities and employers regard a DofE Award highly, so it will help to open the right doors.

There are three different levels of award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. At The Weald, we offer Bronze and Silver Awards. Students completing a Bronze Award would start in the middle of Year 9 and finish in Year 10 or 11. The Silver Award is available to Year 12 students.

There are four categories that students must complete to achieve a DofE award:

• Skill
• Volunteering
• Expedition
• Physical

DofE is very popular at The Weald and we have one of the highest participation and completion rates in West Sussex. This is because we insist that all participants must complete the other three sections before embarking on the expedition. We do this to ensure they gain the Award and benefit fully from all the positive self-development that the Award offers.

Our Duke of Edinburgh Coordinators are Miss F Elston and Mrs L Mitchell, so if you would like further information, please contact them via email at dofe@theweald.org.uk. 

Find out more by visiting the DofE website here.

D of E dates for 2024/25

2024-25
Bronze Award

Presentation Evening - Tuesday 8 October 2024 (6.30-7.30pm)

Bronze Training Weekend - 3-4 May, Blackland Farm

Bronze Training Day - Sunday 8 June, Sixth Form Centre (9.00-3.00pm)

Bronze Qualifier - 21-22 June Washington Campsite

Silver Award

Silver Training 1 - Saturday 3 May, Sixth Form Centre (9.00-3.00pm)

Silver Practice Weekend - 9-11 May, South Downs

Silver Training 2 - Sunday 8 June, Sixth Form Centre (9.00-3.00pm)

Silver Qualifier Weekend - 1-3 July Ashdown Forest

Completing the expedition is a physical challenge that students must prepare for.  They must ensure they are fit enough to cope with the demands of carrying a heavy backpack, and being self-sufficient throughout their expedition.  To this end, please find below a number of walks that students can go on with family and friends as part of their preparation.  Students should wear their walking boots for these, and carry a backpack to help familiarise themselves with carrying additional weight.