The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Award Scheme is a highly successful 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, challenging and enjoyable activities in their free time.
- Where can I do the award?
- Who operates the award?
- What does the award consist of?
- What do the sections involve?
- Who can do the awards?
- What are the benefits of involvement?
Where can I do the award?
The Award is supported and administered by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Award Manager
Sue McCulloch
DofE Award Manager
Town Hall
St Ives Road
Maidenhead
SL6 1RF
Tel: 01628 796478
Email: youth.services@rbwm.gov.uk
For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme please visit the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.
Who operates the award?
Delivery of the Award programme is entrusted to licensed Operating Authorities, such as the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, which facilitate the scheme via Award Groups, often in Youth and Community Centres.
What does the award consist of?
It is a four-section programme with three progressive levels:
- Bronze (for those aged 14+)
- Silver (for those aged 15+)
- Gold (for those aged 16+)
What do the sections involve?
For each Award, participants have to fulfil the requirements of each of the four Sections.
Those sections and their aims are:
Volunteering
Volunteering is simple. It's about choosing to give time to do something useful, without getting paid.
Skills
Covering almost any hobby, skill or interest - to encourage the discovery and development of personal interests and social and practical skills.
Physical
Sports, dance and fitness - to encourage participation in physical recreation and improvement of performance.
Expeditions
Training for, planning and completing a journey on foot, cycle, horseback, or water - to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery.
Residential Project (Gold Award only)
a purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the participant - to broaden experience through involvement with others in a residential setting.
Who can do the awards?
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available to young people between the ages of 14 and 25, regardless of gender, background or ability. All Awards must be completed by the participant's 25th birthday.
What are the benefits of involvement?
The Award is widely recognised by educationalists and employers. Some of the benefits to young people include developing or discovering:
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Self-belief
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Self-confidence
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A sense of identity
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Independence of thought and action
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A sense of responsibility
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An awareness of their potential
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New talents and abilities
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An understanding of their strengths and weaknesses
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The ability to plan and use time effectively
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The ability to learn from and give to others in the community
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New relationships
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Skills including problem solving, presentation and communication
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The ability to lead and work as part of a team
