The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a charity that has been working with young people from all backgrounds for more than half a century. We want to work with academies and schools across England to give more young people the chance to do their Duke of Edinburgh and lead successful and fulfilling lives.
The Duke of Edinburgh is the nationally and internationally recognised award favoured by employers and universities alike. Over time, we build confidence, dedication and commitment, attributes we all want to see in our young people in school, life and in the workplace.
If you need to contact us regarding the Duke of Edinburgh Award please email: dofe@stcatherines.college
Volunteering
Volunteering is all about making a difference to other people's lives. Getting off your sofa and taking time out to change things for the better can be great fun.
From conservation to youth work to fundraising for your favourite charity or caring for animals, there's an endless list of the types of projects you can get involved in, so have a chat with your Leader and other people in your community to find out what’s on offer, what needs doing and who needs help!
Physical
Through the Physical section you should achieve a greater physical fitness through participation and improvement in physical activity. It's sure to make you feel healthier and you'll have fun along the way!
You don't need to be super fit or Olympic standard to achieve this section - giving it a go and getting better is enough.
From hockey to dance, rock climbing to swimming, wheelchair basketball to yoga - almost any dance, sport or fitness activity can count. You can join a team or do it on your own, concentrate on something you're already doing or try something completely different - it's up to you.
Skills
The Skills section is all about developing practical and social skills and personal interests. By choosing to develop a particular skill you are not only developing a new talent but you will also boost your self esteem, develop practical and social skills and learn how to set and rise to a challenge. If this isn't enough, it should also be good fun too!
From podcasting to playing a musical instrument, fine art to website design, there's an endless list of the types of skills you can do, so have a chat with your Leader and other people in your community to find out what’s on offer!
Expedition
Achieving your award is an adventure from beginning to end and this section can give you some of your most memorable experiences!
From sailing along the Norfolk Broads to walking in Canada or horse riding in the Brecon Beacons, it can be as far-flung or as close to home as you want it to be. You can also choose how you want to travel – it doesn’t just have to be on foot! You could choose to do your expedition by bike, by canoe, by kayak, by wheelchair, by sailing boat or even on a horse or llama!
There’ll need to be between four and seven of you in an expedition team (eight if you’ve chosen to travel by tandem canoe or bike). With your team, you’ll plan an aim for your expedition, decide on your location and do lots of fun training to make sure you’re fully prepared and know what you’re doing! Your Leader will arrange a Supervisor to work with your team to organise all of this and help you plan your expedition.