Duke of Edinburgh Award 2022/2023
Dear Parent/Carer
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is the world’s leading achievement award for young people, and is highly regarded by universities, colleges and employers. It encourages young people to develop independence, commitment, leadership and teamwork through being involved in a personalised programme of activities. The Academy fully supports the award and recognises its value for developing skills and attributes in young people.
Previously we have offered the Bronze award to Year 10. This year we are widening this opportunity to Year 9, with the possibility that they will be offered to complete their Silver award during Year 10 should they wish to.
The Award is split into four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skill, and Expedition. It takes approximately 6 months to complete the Bronze level and a regular commitment to various activities for the duration of the Award is required. There is a range of information available on the D of E website with ideas on activities – https://www.dofe.org/dofewithadifference/activities
The cost for the expedition will be £110 plus £24 enrolment fee for Bronze, totalling £134. This will cover the DofE enrolment fee, one expedition and the appropriate training, insurance, and campsite fees. If the cost is an issue for you, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss any support that we can offer.
Students who are in receipt of the pupil premium may qualify for some financial support with these payments. Please indicate on the reply slip at the bottom of the Duke of Edinburgh Letter_Year 9 (please click on the link to open) if you wish to apply for financial support.
If you would like your child to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, please complete and return the D of E enrolment form (please click on the link to open/download) , along with the reply slip, to Reception by Friday 6th January 2023. Payment can be made using the online payment system which can be found here
Expedition Section
The Expedition section requires participants to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant 2-day expedition. JC Adventures will be delivering the expedition training and expedition weekend. It is important that all these elements are attended in order for your child to complete their Award.
The expedition will take place in the Autumn term, and a training day will also take place during Summer 2023. Once this date has been confirmed this will be communicated with parents/carers as soon as possible.
Students will be expected to have their own personal equipment; however, group equipment (tents, cooking equipment, maps, compass) will be provided by JC Adventures.
There is a discount available in Go Outdoors, Blacks and Millets for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants.
If your child wants to take part in the Award, please return the following: by Friday 6th January 2023.
- Deposit of £40 to cover the registration cost and expedition fee
- DofE Participant Enrolment Form (to be handed in at Reception)
The remaining cost for the expeditions will be due by 31st March 2023. This can be paid in instalments as follows:
£47 – by Friday 10th February 2023
£47 – by Friday 31st March 2023
Please take some time to look at the DofE website www.dofe.org and encourage your child to also look at the website as they plan what they might do for the other sections. We will be hosting an information evening before the expedition, so please do come along to hear more about the programme, meet the staff involved in running it, and ask any questions.
After the deadline has passed, there will be a meeting at the end of the Academy day on a Thursday for students to register and get started with the award.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
Yours sincerely
Mrs E Baker | D of E Manager
