Gold Award

For pupils in Year 12 and above, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an exciting and challenging opportunity to develop advanced life skills, strengthen independence and achieve something truly rewarding. The programme encourages pupils to push beyond their comfort zones, demonstrate resilience and take greater responsibility for their personal development. It is a valuable experience that helps prepare pupils for university, employment and the challenges of adult life.

The Gold DofE programme consists of five sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and Residential. Pupils must complete 12 months of activity for Volunteering and undertake a further six months for either Physical or Skills, alongside six months for the remaining section. Pupils who have not completed Silver must complete a longer programme. They must also plan, train for and complete a four-day, three-night expedition. The additional Residential section requires pupils to spend five days and four nights away from home, taking part in a shared activity with people they may not know, helping them develop confidence, independence and social skills.

Each section provides opportunities to develop vital life skills. Through volunteering, pupils learn responsibility, empathy and community engagement, while Physical and Skills activities encourage commitment, perseverance and personal growth. The Expedition and Residential sections challenge pupils to work with others, solve problems, adapt to unfamiliar situations and become more self-reliant.