The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading achievement award for young people.​

It is a balanced programme of activities which develops the mind, body and soul in an environment of social interaction and team working.

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It allows students to develop:

• An awareness of their potential

• New talents and abilities

• An understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses

• The ability to plan and use time effectively

• The ability to learn from and give to others in the community

• New relationships

• Skills including problem solving, presentation and communication

• The ability to lead and work as part of a team

 

The award involves 4 sections (5 at Gold level):

Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community

Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities

Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests

Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad

 

At Gold level: participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves working  and staying away from home doing a shared activity

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Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections need to be undertaken for a minimum of one hour per week, for a pre determined number of months. The activities can be done as part of an organised group or individually.