Sixth Form Subjects

DofE - Gold Award

 Overview

Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)

The Gold DofE Award is the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s programme.

It is designed to push you to achieve your personal best, gain new experiences, and develop valuable life skills. Completing the Gold Award shows commitment, resilience, and leadership — qualities highly valued by universities and employers.

Award Sections & Timescales

To achieve the Gold Award, you must complete all five sections:

• Volunteering (12 months)
  Give your time to help individuals or the community. Examples: helping at a charity shop, coaching, mentoring, or environmental projects.
• Physical (12 months)
  Focus on health and fitness through sport, dance, fitness training, or outdoor activities.
• Skills (12 months)
  Develop a new talent or improve an existing skill such as playing an instrument, cooking, first aid, coding, or photography.
• Expedition (4 days, 3 nights)
  A challenging and adventurous journey in wild country, planned and undertaken as part of a team.
• Residential (5 days, 4 nights)
  Take part in a shared activity with people you don’t know, in a new environment. This could be a training course, volunteering project, or cultural exchange.

Note: If you have not completed Silver DofE, you must spend an extra 6 months on either volunteering or the longer of your Physical/Skills section.

Skills DEveloped

By completing the Gold Award you will:

• Build confidence, resilience, and independence.
• Improve teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
• Learn to set goals and commit to long-term projects.
• Gain real-world experience that stands out to employers and universities.

Future Pathways

The Gold Award is highly respected by employers, universities, and training providers. It demonstrates that you are motivated, responsible, and able to manage challenges effectively.

 Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements, but a commitment to regular participation and self-motivation is essential.

Student Testimonial

Testimonial in the pipeline

Other courses of interest

• EPQ
• Sport Science
• Photography

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