The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. At Ladybridge High School we start the journey by offering the Bronze Award scheme to learners over the ages of 14. The DofE is a nationally run scheme that aims to develop all Ladybridge WISDOM qualities, as well as the self-confidence and skills for life.
Universities and future employers are often keen to interview candidates who have gained Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards because they know that such involvement means a young person is proactive and may have developed a whole host of employable skills.
Click here for a short introduction to the DofE Bronze Award
Letter to parents – Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme 2025 – Bronze Award
The Bronze Award
To complete the Bronze award, pupils must complete 4 sections.
- Volunteering – in this section you will offer service to individuals or the community. This can range from teaching younger pupils to read, visiting the elderly, working in a charity shop, or assisting leading a sports team. It’s extremely rewarding — and it can give you the chance to experience the world of work.
- Skill – this section is when you learn a new talent, develop existing skills and find something you enjoy doing. It encourages discovery and development of practical and social skills and personal interests. This section could be completed by learning to cook, officiate or umpire in a sport, or even learning first aid or photography.
- Physical – this section encourages participation and improvement in physical activity. Activities range from Zumba to football, skateboarding to walking — almost any dance, sport or fitness activity can count. You can decide to join a team or do it on your own — it’s up to you.
- Expedition – this encourages a spirit of adventure and discovery. The expedition usually takes place in lowland country, during which small groups of learners must navigate themselves across the countryside and camp overnight. Training for the expedition is completed during the winter months. A practice day out takes place between April and June and our final expedition will take in our designated Learning for Life days at the end of the summer term.
The volunteering, skill and physical sections must be completed for a minimum of 3 months, plus a further 3 months in one of these sections that individual learners choose. The expedition lasts for 2 days and 1 night during the summer term.
A full list of activities, across the 4 sections can be found below:
For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Scheme, please visit the official website here
DofE Coordinator – Mr S Lock