Duke of Edinburgh Award

Attention DofE Participants: If you would like to request kit for the 2024 Expeditions, please click here.

Sheldon has a very proud tradition of participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, an internationally recognised programme designed to allow young people to get recognition for what they are doing in their communities for themselves and for others. It also is a great opportunity to get young people to try new things. There are 3 opportunities to earn awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold

Across all awards, students must complete activities in four sections: volunteering, physical, skill and expedition. Participants may choose an activity they are already doing or pick something they've always wanted to try. Each activity must be done for 1 hour per week, they should make sure it's something they really enjoy. It is important that students log their activities under the correct section. If you have any questions or need help organising an activity, please talk to Ms Langdon. 

Volunteering 

Volunteering is all about helping others and making a difference to the causes young people care about. A volunteer placement must be for a group in need or a charity. In the past, students have volunteered with the school library, Rainbows, Beavers, sports clubs, primary school after school clubs and even through online projects. 

Physical 

The physical section is all about improving health and fitness, and having fun along the way! There are many opportunities to join sporting activities through Sheldon PE clubs, out of school sports clubs, fitness classes or by using online fitness trackers to help you achieve your goals. For example, if you picked running as your skill, you could use an app to help track your progress over time.

Skill 

Part of the challenge of DofE is developing existing skills or discovering new things to love. This may include cooking and baking, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, sewing, knitting, art or even attending an afterschool course such as Sheldon's GCSE Film Studies course in Year 9 or Further Maths (this only applies to course done outside the normal school day).

Expedition 

The expedition is all about spending time in the great outdoors and creating lifelong memories. Sheldon helps organise the expedition and training days. It is essential that students attend all meetings and training sessions for the expedition. The expedition component is different for each award level, but it always involves walking with a group of around 7 other students through stunning locations in the UK.

Kit needed

Group kit is provided at all levels, including tents trangias, maps and compasses. Participants will need to provide their own waterproofs, rucksack, walking boots and sleeping bag. Further details of what is needed for the expedition will be circulated to participants along with a discount card for outdoor stores. Sheldon has a limited supply of kit items that we can loan out as needed. Click here to request kit for the 2024 Expeditions.

Preparation

Along with your physical challenge, it is a good idea to practice walking with a full ruck sack and to start doing leg strengthening exercises. Ms Langdon will send suggested activities out to participants to get expedition ready.