The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is the world’s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of 14 to 24-year-olds the opportunity to be the very best they can be.
The programmes take between one and four years to complete, and they must be completed by the participant’s twenty-fifth birthday. The programmes are at three progressive levels which, if successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
With assistance from adult leaders, participants will select and set objectives in each of the following areas:
- Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
- Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
- Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
- Expedition: planning, training for, and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.
To achieve an award, participants will need to work on each section for a minimum period of time, with their progress monitored and assessed by someone with knowledge of the chosen activities. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants with the Silver award needing between 6–9 months. Participants are required to show regular activity and commitment to the award for the duration of their DofE Programme, which is usually at least one hour per week.
