The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Celebrating HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

As the founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has left an incredible legacy through DofE that has had a life changing impact on generations of young people. Since its launch in 1956, DofE has helped to transform the lives of millions of young people by giving them the opportunity to take on their own challenges, pursue their own passions, discover new skills and develop personal qualities that have not only made a positive difference to their own lives but have made a difference in their community.

Riddlesdown Collegiate has been offering DofE for over 25 years and we have seen first-hand the positive impact it has in empowering our students with the skills, confidence and resilience to make the most of life and make a difference to the world around them. We would love to hear from students past and present, about their memories and experiences of their involvement in DofE and the impact that this had on them.

We will soon be offering Riddlesdown students the opportunity to enrol in DofE with Bronze being offered to Year 9 and Silver being offered to Year 10.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading achievement award for young people. It is an important part of our extra-curricular work at the Collegiate as it helps to deliver our vision of providing “inspirational experiences … beyond the classroom”, fulfilling our motto of “Learners of today. Leaders of tomorrow.”

The award aims to create a world where young people can reach their full potential whatever their circumstances. The charity’s ethos is to enable every young person of every background to do their DofE and succeed, regardless of any barriers.

Downloads and Useful Links

DofE – FAQs

DofE – Training Booklet 2025

DofE – Bronze Enrolment Letter 2025

DofE – Silver Enrolment Letter 2025

DofE – Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Application Form

The Programme

Students undertaking the DofE programme complete four different types of activity at Bronze and Silver level to achieve an Award:

  • Volunteering: undertake service to individuals or the community. This develops compassion, commitment and the confidence to make a difference.
  • Physical: improve in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities. This develops fitness, enjoyment and, depending on the activity, teamwork.
  • Skills: develop practical and social skills and personal interests. This helps young people to realise their unique potential and gain greater self-esteem.
  • Expedition: plan, train for, and complete an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad. This develops teamwork and leadership, and challenges young people to push themselves beyond their expectations.

Why do your DofE?

Good question! Because, from the first day to the last it’s a real adventure. Every section gives you something different.

You’ll enjoy loads of new experiences, discover talents you never thought you had, challenge yourself and meet loads of people just like you.

  • achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.
  • you are getting recognised for doing things you want to do (and may even be doing already).
  • you will make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.

Doing your DofE really does give you the skills for life and work.

The DofE award is offered at 2 levels at Riddlesdown Collegiate

The Bronze Award is offered each October to all Year 9 students. 

The Silver Award is offered each October to all Year 10 students. 

For general information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award please visit www.dofe.org.

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Presentation

 
Download the Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Presentation HERE.

Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Presentation

 

Download the Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Presentation HERE.
  

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 2025/26 Parents Meeting/Training/Expedition Dates

Parents Information Evening: Tuesday 13th January 2026. 6.30 – 7.30pm, Main Hall – for those successful

Training Morning: Sunday 22nd March 2026. 9 – 12pm, School

Year 9 Bronze Practice Expedition: Friday 15th – Saturday 16th May 2026. Walking in the local area, camping overnight at School.

Year 9 Bronze Assessed Expedition: Friday 26th – Saturday 27th June 2026. Walking and camping overnight in East Grinstead.

There will be a Route Planning session in the hall after school approximately 2 weeks in advance of each expedition. The dates will be communicated nearer the time and it is compulsory to attend in order to gain the necessary training in route planning.

Year 10 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 2025/26 Parents Meeting/Training/Expedition Dates

Parents Information Evening: Tuesday 13th January 2026. 6.30 – 7.30pm, Main Hall – for those successful

Training Morning: Sunday 22nd March 2026. 9 – 12pm, School

Year 10 Silver Practice Expedition: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th June 2026. Walking and camping overnight in East Grinstead.

Year 10 Silver Assessed Expedition: Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th October 2026. Walking and camping overnight in the South Downs area.

There will be a Route Planning session in the hall after school approximately 2 weeks in advance of each expedition. The dates will be communicated nearer the time and it is compulsory to attend in order to gain the necessary training in route planning.