1 What is DofE?
The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award, founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, is the world’s leading achievement awards programme for young people.
Taking part in the DofE is a fantastic opportunity to develop and learn new skills. It's also fun and exciting and looks great on your CV! Get involved, learn new skills, go on an adventure and show your potential.
There are three awards levels:
- Bronze - school year 9 and older
- Silver - school year 10 and older
- Gold - 16+ years.
All three levels have to be started by the time you are 23 and a half, and completed by the time you are 25.
Activities need to be undertaken for a minimum of one hour a week over a set period of time.
What you do in your programme is entirely up to you, but all four sections (five, if you are doing Gold) must be completed to gain the award.
The sections are:
- Volunteering - Volunteer for any group or charity
- Physical - Choose any physical activity you enjoy that keeps you fit
- Skills - Choose something you enjoy, then develop it and put it to good use
- Expedition - Go out and have an adventure with your team (your DofE centre will normally make arrangements for you to carry out your expedition)
- Residential (Gold award only) - Go away for a minimum of five days with your team and take part in a range of activities to develop your teamwork and communication skills.
The great thing about the Duke of Edinburgh Award is that you are in charge of what you do. You choose the activities and, provided they fit in with the requirements of each level, you have the chance to develop your skills, help in your community and take part in new experiences.
2 DofE Award centres
In West Sussex we support over 65 Duke of Edinburgh's Award centres.
If you are interested in taking part ask at your school or college, or find out more on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.
If you have any general enquiries about taking part within West Sussex, email dofe@westsussex.gov.uk.
3 eDofE
eDofE is an online operating system that enables young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme to record their intended aims, track their progress and upload evidence of their achievements.
For further advice please visit the DofE YouTube channel, which also offers assistance if you are experiencing difficulties trying to sign in.