What is the DofE?

What is the DofE?

A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life. Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries

DofE at Heathfield Community College

At Heathfield Community College 14-19-year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Bronze Award – Offered in year 9

Silver Award – Offered in Year 10

Gold Award – Offered in year 12

The awards are launched annually in the autumn term and participants are supported by an extensive training programme tailored to each award level.

The programme includes: the development of expedition skills including map reading, first aid, route planning, camp craft and team skill; support with the participants independent activities and evidence platforms; the provision of training walks during the spring; expeditions in the summer term.

What are the time scales for each award level?

Recent Activities 2024

Activities 2023

Activities 2022

Activities 2021

History of DofE at Heathfield Community College:

2017             Pilot DofE Bronze Awards launched
2018             Bronze offered to whole of year 9 & Pilot Silver launched
2019             Silver & Bronze offered Gold Pilot Launched. First ambassadors trained
2020- 2022    All three Award levels offered and ambassador training

As of December 2023, the College has awarded:
Bronze Awards: 136
Silver Awards: 54
Gold Awards: 4

Certificate of achievements (awarded during Covid -19):
Bronze Level: 18
Silver Level: 5
Gold Level: 1

The DofE Team at Heathfield

DofE Centre Manager:         Miss Catherine Harker

DofE Leaders:                      Ms H Bubeer, Mrs L Cornish, Mr L Fioresi, Mr E Mitchell, Ms Anna Norman, Ms C Savage

Award Verifier:                      Mrs Elspeth Flynn

Expedition supervisor & Assessors: Mrs L Cornish, Mr L Fioresi, Ms Anna Norman, Ms C Savage, Mrs J Sheldon

Previous Awards