The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a nationally recognised award, open to any young person aged 14-24, regardless of ability, gender, background or location. The DofE programme consists of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. There are 4 sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. The Award requires students to spend one hour each week Volunteering, and our students are encouraged to contribute hours of their time to help people, charities, and communities. Students must also learn or develop a Skill, and these include music, drama, photography and valuable life skills such as cooking. In the Physical section of their award, participants keep active and healthy, perhaps through a team sport or fitness programme.

We are delighted to have launched DofE at LGS Stoneygate this year for the first time. All students in Years 9 and 10 have the opportunity to participate at Bronze level and once your child has signed up they will be enrolled onto DofE and be supported to start their skill, volunteering and physical sections. The Award is an excellent opportunity for students of all backgrounds and abilities to make new friends, test themselves by trying new activities, develop team work and leadership skills, and gain recognition for their efforts. The Award does involve a high level of commitment and we strive to set deadlines to ensure that all students complete it. All students are welcome to enrol regardless of their previous experience of the great outdoors! Within school we organise the expedition section with a training weekend at LGS Stoneygate, followed by a practice weekend in Leicestershire and a qualifier weekend in Rutland. All expeditions are compulsory and are a necessary part of the training process required by the DofE scheme.

If you have any questions about the award please contact Ms Martin, our DofE Manager, via email at martine@lgs-stoneygate.org.uk.