Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE)

Challenge yourself. Try something new. Create memories that last.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is one of the most rewarding opportunities available to Year 10 pupils at Bullers Wood School for Boys.

It is a chance to step outside your normal routine, learn new skills, get active, help others and take on an adventure with your friends.

You don't need to be the fastest, strongest or most experienced person to take part. DofE is about challenging yourself, developing independence and discovering what you are capable of.

What does the Award involve?

To complete your Bronze Award, you will take part in three sections:

🏃 Physical

Take part in a physical activity for a set period of time.

This could be a sport you already enjoy, such as football, running or cycling, or an opportunity to try something completely new.

🎸 Skill

Develop a new skill or improve an existing one.

You could learn photography, cooking, playing an instrument, coding, art, gardening or a whole range of other skills.

🤝 Volunteering

Give your time to help other people, your community or an organisation.

This could involve helping at a local charity, supporting younger pupils, volunteering at a sports club or contributing to your local community.

🥾 The Expedition

The part that many pupils look forward to most!

You will work as part of a small team to plan and complete an expedition in the countryside. You will navigate, carry your own equipment, cook your own food and camp overnight.

You won't have teachers leading you every step of the way. You and your team will have to work together, make decisions and solve problems for yourselves.

And yes, there will probably be some tired legs, wet feet and questionable tent-erecting skills along the way!

But there will also be plenty of laughs, a huge sense of achievement and memories you'll talk about long after you have finished.

Why should you do DofE?

DofE is about much more than completing a certificate.

Along the way, you will develop:

💪 Resilience
Keep going when something is difficult.

🧭 Independence
Learn to make decisions and solve problems for yourself.

🤝 Teamwork
Work with others and support your team.

🎯 Commitment
Set yourself a goal and stick with it.

🗣️ Confidence
Try things outside your comfort zone.

🌍 Experience
Develop experiences and skills that can benefit you beyond school.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to do something different.

Your DofE journey

You don't have to be an expert to start.

You don't have to know exactly what you want to do.

And you don't have to be the most adventurous person in the year.

You just need to be willing to give it a go.

You will have support from the school throughout your DofE journey, but the Award belongs to you. The more effort you put into it, the more you will get out of it.