Anyone aged between 14 and 24 can do a programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. There are for sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold
With assistance from DofE Leaders, participants select and set objectives in each of the following areas:
- Volunteering: Undertaking service to individuals or the community
- Physical: improviing in the area of sport, dance or fitness activities
- Skills: developing practical an social skills and personal interests
- Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad
- At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential sections, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.
The DofE Centre is run by adults who are volunteers, all of whom wish to share their skills, enthusiasm and organising abilities to help young people reach their potential.
It would usually take a participant between 6-12 months to complete Bronze, 12-18 months for Silver and 18-24 months for a Gold. It may take less time for completion of the Silver or Gold Awards if the participant holds the preceding Award. All Awards must be completed by the participant's 25th birthday.
All DofE programmes are driven by the following ten guiding principles, which are at the heart of everything we do.
- Non-competitive
- Achievable by All
- Voluntary
- Personal Development
- Personalised
- Balanced
- Progressive
- Achievement focused
- Demand commitment
- Enjoyable
