The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The DofE programme at The Oratory School is a real adventure from beginning to end. You can do programmes at three levels, Bronze, Silver or Gold, which lead to a Duke of Edinburgh's Award. You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you're going for Gold). Every section gives you something different. Your programme can be full of activities and projects suited to you. Along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You'll find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills, going on an expedition and taking part in a residential activity (Gold only). Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities. The United article, (in resources below), highlights the demand for these attributes through their research into the benefits of the Award to employers.
The Awards
The Bronze Award - 4th Form:
Overview
The Bronze Award is integrated into CCF training. Boys complete their training during weekly CCF sessions in the run up to the combined CCF Adventurous Training/DofE Camp to Brecon (Start of the Easter Holidays 2011). All boys have the opportunity to complete the Award by attending this camp. Volunteering is completed by following a guided fundraising activity whilst the other two sections are attainable through the wealth of activities on offer at The Oratory.
Requirements
Expedition - Plan, train for and complete a 2 day, 1 night expedition.
Location: Brecon Beacons
Time: Easter Holidays
Training: During CCF Sessions
Volunteering, Skill and Physical – 3 months participating in each section. A further 3 months in any chosen section.
The Silver Award – L6:
Overview
The Silver Award expands upon the skills developed during the Bronze Award. Boys have greater autonomy in the planning and preparation for their expedition. Returning to Brecon Beacons the boys aim to take on more demanding routes with many setting their sights upon summiting Pen-Y-Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales.
Requirements
Expedition: Plan, train for and complete a 3 day, 2 night expedition
Location: Brecon Beacons
Time: Summer Term Practice and Qualifying (Long weekends)
Training: Weekly evening session during Lent term.
Volunteering – 6 months.
Physical and Skills – One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months.
The Gold Award - U6th:
Overview
The Gold Award is often viewed separately from the Bronze and Silver due to the increased time commitment required to complete this impressive feat. This year the boys have the option to complete the Award in the UK or to aim higher for a two week expedition to Morocco. The Morocco trip will include a qualifying expedition in the Atlas Mountains with a possible summit attempt of Mount Toubkal (4167m) and a community based project in addition to the usual sight-seeing. Boys are expected to fundraise in order to attend and in doing so will pass their residential, volunteering and expedition section. Those not coming to Morocco can complete their residential though the annual trip to Lourdes or on a CCF run course.
Requirements
Expedition - Plan, train for and complete a 4 day, 3 night expedition
Practice Expedition: Lake District (October Half Term)
Qualifying Expedition 1: Snowdonia (Summer 2011)
Qualifying Expedition 2: Morocco (Summer Holidays 2011)
Training: Weekly evening session during Michaelmas term.
Volunteering – 12 months
Physical and Skills – One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months
Residential - Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights
The Sections:
Volunteering - helping someone, your community or the environment.
Physical - becoming fitter through sport, dance or fitness activities.
Skills - developing existing talents or trying something new.
Expedition - planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey.
Residential (Gold only) - staying and working away from home as part of a team.
For more information see the DofE notice board or email DofE@oratory.co.uk
Mr D. Watkins BSc MSc
Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager
.JPG)
Resources:
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Enrolment Form
United Learning Trust
Expedition Kit List
Jan 2010 Newsletter