The Duke of Edinburgh 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 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 2024

DofE – Bronze Enrolment Letter 2023

DofE – Year 10 Silver Enrolment Letter 2023

DofE – Parents Evening Notes 2024

DofE – Parents Evening Script 2024

DofE – Parents Evening Presentation 2024

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 Award please visit www.dofe.org.

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Presentation

Download the Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Presentation HERE.

Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Presentation

Download the Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Presentation HERE.

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award 2023/24 Parents Meeting/Training/Expedition Dates

Wednesday 17th January 2024 Parents Information Evening. 6.30 – 7.30pm, Main Hall – for those selected.

Sunday 24th March 2024: Training Morning, 9 – 12pm, School

Year 9 Bronze Practice Expedition: Friday 10th – Saturday 11th May 2024. Local area/camping overnight at School.

Year 9 Bronze Assessed Expedition: Friday 28th – Saturday 29th June 2024, East Grinstead (venue tbc).

Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2023/24 Parents Meeting/Training/Expedition Dates

Wednesday 17th January 2024: Parents Information Evening. 6.30 – 7.30pm, Main Hall, for those selected

Sunday 24th March 2024: Training Morning. 9 – 12pm, School.

Year 10 Silver Practice Expedition: Friday 26th – Sunday 28th April 2024, East Grinstead (venue tbc).

Year 10 Silver Assessed Expedition: Friday 27th September – Sunday 29th September 2024, South Downs.

Duke of Edinburghs Award Application Form

Presentations and Kit List