The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by. You'll find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills and going on an expedition.

But here's the best bit - you get to choose what you do! Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you buzzing and along the way you'll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered as an Option when pupils reach Year 10. Pupils generally take two years to complete this level and then progress onto Silver (if they choose to, which most do!) then onto Gold. Each level consists of Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Expedition sections with an additional Residential section at Gold level. More information about the timescales involved, ideas for activities plus general information are available on the DofE website www.dofe.org This is also where pupils can logon to their individual eDofE account. They use this, with the support of staff if necessary, to plan activities, upload evidence, keep track of their progress and to access additional DofE resources and information.

At certain times during the year pupils are involved in fundraising activities, this is a great way of improving our team ethos and the money raised goes towards the upkeep of essential DofE kit and the running of expeditions, Parents/Carers are also asked to contribute financially to these expeditions. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support that the Friends of Penmaes have provided DofE with over the years, enabling us to offer the scheme to as many pupils who want to join us and ensuring that we have suitable equipment for everyone.