St Andrew’s & St Bride’s H.S. What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award  The DofE is an Award’s program which gives you the chance to do something completely new and improve on things you’re already doing. It takes you out of your comfort zone and into a place where you’ll push yourself and have amazing new experiences. You’ll build confidence, resilience, skills and friendship groups. And you’ll have a brilliant time doing it. THE DOFE WAS FOUNDED BY HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH, IN 1956. Active participants:  Awards achieved:  Over 300,000 111,859 (an increase of 3.3% on last year) Bronze: 76,448  Silver: 25,563  Gold: 9,848  New starters: 239,269  Countries and territories running DofE programmes: More than 140  AWARD LEVELS AND TIMINGS  There are three levels of programme you can do which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The main differences between them are the minimum length of time they take to complete, how challenging they are and the minimum age you can start.    Bronze Award Silver Award Gold Award 14-25yrs 15-25yrs 15-25yrs       The DofE requires participants to complete four different types of activity for those undertaking Bronze and Silver level awards and five at Gold level. Volunteering: undertake service to individuals or the community. This develops compassion, commitment and the confidence to make a difference. Physical: improve in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities. This develops fitness, enjoyment and, depending on the activity, teamwork. Skills: develop practical and social skills and personal interests. This helps young people to realise their unique potential and gain greater self-esteem. Expedition: plan, train for, and complete an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad. This develops teamwork and leadership, and challenges young people to push themselves beyond their expectations. Residential (Gold level only): stay and work away from home doing a shared activity. Again this challenges young people, who must work with strangers to achieve a positive goal. A Duke of Edinburgh's Award is so much more than a 'pat on the back' for completing a programme of activities. It is recognition of a young person’s successful journey of self-discovery and development, renowned by employers and universities alike for the qualities young people have who've achieved a DofE Award.  Its balanced programme develops the whole person - mind, body and soul, in an environment of social interaction and team working.  The programme offers skills, confidence and a view of life that potential employers, colleges and universities are looking for.  Ultimately, Young people taking part in the award gain invaluable life skills which help to set them up for a positive future!                       - Alliance & Leicester plc - Boots plc - British Energy Group plc - British Nuclear Fuels plc - BT Group plc - Centrica plc - Civil Service - Coors Brewing company - Corus Group - Diageo plc - Eurotunnel plc - Herbert Smith LLp - Honda (UK) Ltd - Morrison’s plc - Michael Page International plc - Nabarro Nathanson - Northern Rock plc - Newcastle Chronicle & journal Ltd - AGN Shipleys - Tesco Plc - 3i Group plc - Vauxhall Motors Ltd All are Major British Employers  These organisations were asked what attributes and characteristics they valued as key determinants in the selection of employees. The following were rated the highest: leadership, teamwork, selfmotivation, communication, confidence, consideration and the ability to learn.             The sample was asked what they considered to be the most important activities undertaken at school and were asked to rate 30 activities from 1-5, with 1 being the highest: Average Ratings in Rank order of importance (Top 10) 1 The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (‘DofE’) 1.96 2 Work experience 2.00 3 Community activities 2.04 4 World Challenge 2.16 5 Young Enterprise 2.20 6 Team Sporting activities 2.28 7 Youth Awards 2.28 8 Public Speaking/Debating 2.32 9 County/National teamsports 2.36 10 Interview skills 2.44  “Doing my DofE is one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. It has helped me to overcome my fears and made me realise I can to do more things than I thought I could. The DofE is important because it allows people of all abilities to take part, develop skills and achieve. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.” Toni Ann Wood, Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder  “Volunteering has been my favourite part of the DofE and has given me a purpose.” Kyle, Bronze & Silver Award holder