What is a DofE Programme?
A DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by.
You can do programmes at three levels, Bronze, Silver or Gold, which lead to a Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you're going for Gold).
You'll find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills, going on an expedition and taking part in a residential activity (Gold only).
But here's the best bit - you get to choose what you do!
Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you buzzing. And along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
D of E Levels
There are three levels of programme you can do which, when you've successfully completed lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The main differences between them are the minimum length of time it takes to complete them, how challenging it is and the minimum age you can start.
Depending on your age, you are free to start at any level but most people prefer to try for Bronze and work upwards. There are age restrictions for each one so it makes sense to build yourself up rather than dive in at the deep end.
Don’t forget, you have until your 25th birthday to complete whichever level you’re working on and achieve an Award.
The table below shows the different overall age restrictions and time requirements for each level.
| Level | Maximum age you can start | Minimum length of time | Length of time if you have achieved the previous level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 14 years | 6 months | n/a |
| Silver | 15 years | 12 months | 6 months |
| Gold | 16 years | 18 months | 12 months |
Sections
You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you're going for Gold).
These sections are:
- Volunteering - helping someone, your community or the environment;
- Physical - becoming fitter through sport, dance or fitness activities;
- Skills - developing existing talents or trying something new;
- Expedition - planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey;
- Residential - (Gold only) - staying and working away from home as part of a team.
The length of time you have to spend on each section depends on the level of programme you are doing.
Your DofE Programme
Your first question should be what do I want to do? Once you’ve chosen the level you want to do, you create, plan and complete your own programme, making sure you've chosen an activity that counts for each section.
It’s your chance to decide what you want to do, so you really go for stuff that you're interested in. Maybe you want to be a DJ or musician or perhaps you’re big into skateboarding or football?
Whatever really gets you going, the odds are you can do it for your DofE.
And it doesn't matter if you've never done an activity before or if you've been doing it for years - you set your own challenges for each activity and just need to prove you've got better while you're doing it.
Current DofE Programmes
We currently have two open awards running within the borough
Every Tuesday
From 6.30pm- 9.00pm
Outset Centre, 2A Grange Road, Walthamstow, E17
Every Wednesday
From 7 – 9pm
Pastures Youth Centre, Davies Lane, Leytonstone, E11
Some school/colleges may also be doing the award, please check and see if yours is !!
Contact us
Youth Service Central Office
Outset Building
2a
Grange Road
Walthamstow E17 8AH
Tel 020 8496 1530
Fax 020
8496 1536
Email youth.service@walthamforest.gov.uk
