Bronze Award

The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award:

For pupils in Year 9, the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and gain greater independence. The programme challenges pupils to step outside their comfort zones, try new activities and discover what they are capable of achieving. It is a valuable experience that supports personal development both in and out of the classroom, helping pupils prepare for future education, employment and adult life.

The Bronze DofE programme consists of four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Pupils must complete a minimum of three months of activity in each of the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections. They can choose activities that interest them, allowing them to pursue existing hobbies, develop new talents or make a positive difference to their local community. Pupils must also plan, train for and complete a two-day, one-night expedition, working collaboratively with others to navigate their route, manage their equipment and camp overnight.

Each section provides pupils with an opportunity to develop vital life skills. Through Volunteering, pupils learn the importance of helping others, giving back to their community and taking responsibility for their actions. This experience can develop their empathy, communication skills and understanding of the needs of others. The Physical section encourages pupils to improve their fitness, establish healthy habits and understand the value of commitment and perseverance. Meanwhile, the Skills section allows pupils to explore their interests, develop existing abilities and learn something new, helping them become more confident, creative and independent learners.

The Expedition section is often one of the most memorable aspects of the award. Pupils work in small teams to plan their journey, practise navigation, prepare meals, carry their equipment and overcome the challenges of spending a night outdoors. They learn to cooperate with others, solve problems under pressure and adapt when things do not go according to plan. These experiences help build resilience, leadership, decision-making and teamwork skills, while teaching pupils the importance of preparation, organisation and supporting one another. Completing the expedition also gives pupils a real sense of achievement, as they can see the results of their hard work and determination.