The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Oakwood Academy believes that The Duke of Edinburgh's Award offers young people a fantastic opportunity to form new friendships and learn new skills and interests for their lives ahead.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14-25. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive and enjoyable activities in their free time with a well-recognised award at the end to show a future employer their determination to commit and undertake challenges.
The Oakwood Academy is proud to hold DLC status, this means we are an approved Directly Licenced Centre for The Duke of Edinburgh's award, and We currently offer programmes at the bronze and silver levels of the award. The programmes are open to students in current Years 9 and 10.
What does the programme consist of?
It is a four Section Programme with three progressive levels.
Bronze (for those in Year 9 and over)
- Volunteering - undertaking service to individuals or the community, 3 months
- Skills - developing practical, social skills and personal interests, 3 months
- Physical - improving an area of sport, dance or fitness activities, 3 months
- Expedition – planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey, 2 days/1 night
- All participants must undertake a further 3 months in one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections.
Silver (for those in Year 10 and over)
- Volunteering - making a difference to individuals or the community, 6 months
- Skills - developing practical or social skills and personal interests, 3 months
- Physical - improving an area of sport, dance or fitness activities, 3 months
- Expedition - planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey, 3 days/2nights
- All participants must undertake a further 3 months in either the Physical or Skills sections.
Gold (for those aged 16 and over)
For further information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award, please visit the DofE website https://www.dofe.org/
Why do DofE?
Good question! Because, from the first day to the last it’s a real adventure. Every section gives you something different - that's the fun of it! You’ll enjoy loads of new experiences, discover talents you never thought you had, challenge yourself and meet loads of people just like you. Plus you’ll do things you love!
Then there’s all the other stuff…
- Achieving an award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.
- Getting recognised for doing things you want to do (and may even be doing already).
- Making a difference to other people’s lives and your community, getting fitter and healthier, making new friends and memories to last you a lifetime.
And above all, it's great fun - the question should really be why wouldn't you!
Students from The Oakwood Academy said . . .
Amy achieved her Bronze and Silver Award and said, "a great experience, I learnt new skills and would recommend anyone to do it."
Laura achieved her Bronze and Silver Award and said, "best experience of my life, making new friends and having fun."
Edwin & Bailey achieved their Bronze and Silver Award and said, "DofE was very good, exciting and we learnt important life lessons. The expedition was our favourite part, what an adventure!"
eDofE
To achieve an award, you need to prove what activities you've been doing, show how you've progressed and that you've met the goals you set for each section.
eDofE is an online system that means you can record your DofE programme and activities, and prove what you've done in loads of different ways. Click here to log in/register https://edofe.org/
Further information
Please contact Mrs S Webster or Miss L Cook, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Coordinators, at The Oakwood Academy either via the main school number 0115 9539323 or direct email
Information and downloads
Enrolment Form 2023-24 - click here 
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DofE General Guide for Parents and Carers click here |
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DofE Information Leaflet for Parents and Carers click here |
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DofE Information Leaflet for Participants click here |
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Programme Ideas click here |
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How to use eDofE click here click here Downloads |