EXTRACURRICULAR · DofE
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
For students aged 14 and over. Each student sets personal goals in volunteering, sport and a skill, then plans and completes an expedition with a small team.
From age 14
Bronze can start in Year 10
4 sections
Service, sport, skills and an expedition
3 levels
Bronze, Silver and Gold
From €160
One payment per Award level
How the Award works
There are no exams and no competition with other students. Each participant chooses their own activities, agrees a goal with an Award Leader, and keeps a record of their progress, usually about an hour a week for each section.
Universities and employers often ask for evidence of skills such as commitment, teamwork and leadership. The Award gives students real examples to write about in a UK personal statement, a US college application or a CV, and to talk about at an interview. It is widely known in the UK, also runs in the United States, and is recognised in more than 130 countries.
The four sections
Students do all four at every level. They choose what to do in each one
Voluntary Service
Regular volunteering that helps people, the community or the environment.
e.g. helping at a charity, coaching younger pupils, beach clean-ups
Physical Recreation
Getting better at a sport or physical activity over time
e.g. football, swimming, dance, martial arts, running
Skills
Learning or improving a personal interest or practical skill.
e.g. an instrument, coding, photography, cooking, a language
Adventurous Journey
Training for, then completing, a team expedition in the outdoors.
Students plan the route, carry their kit and camp overnight
Three levels
Students can start at Bronze and move up, or start directly at Silver or Gold if they are old enough
Bronze
| Minimum age | 14 |
| Minimum time | 6 months |
| Expedition | 2 days, 1 night |
| Cost at The Ark | €160 for the level |
Silver
| Minimum age | 15 |
| Minimum time | 12 months |
| Expedition | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Cost at The Ark | €170 for the level |
6 months if the student already holds Bronze.
Gold
| Minimum age | 16 |
| Minimum time | 18 months |
| Expedition | 4 days, 3 nights |
| Plus | 5-day Residential Project |
| Cost at The Ark | €170 for the level |
12 months if the student already holds Silver.
Questions or ready to join?
Email either of our DofE contacts. They can tell you which level suits your child and when the next group starts.
Mr Gore
mrgore@thearkchristianschool.org
Miss Billington
missbillington@thearkchristianschool.org