The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What is the Duke of Edinburgh's Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an international voluntary activity programme for young people aged 14 to 24. At Mayfield, girls can undertake DofE Awards at Bronze (Year 9), Silver (Year 10), and Gold (Year 12) levels. It is one of the most popular extra-curricular clubs at Mayfield.
The DofE Award is a highly respected, internationally recognised programme that encourages young people to step outside their comfort zone, discover new passions, and develop essential life skills.
What's Involved and Why should I get involved?
The award is divided into four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. For the Gold Award, there's also a Residential section. You can use activities you're already doing, such as playing a sport or a musical instrument if these fulfill the requirements, or try something completely new like learning to code or taking up fencing. The DofE programme is all about personal growth. It helps you develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility for yourself, others, and the environment.
The programme's structure at Mayfield is designed to support you every step of the way. In addition to the launch meeting at the start of the year, there are three check-in meetings throughout the year with your level coordinator. In these meetings, you'll make a plan for the activities you'll undertake for your different DofE sections and check in on your progress.
On DofE, girls grow in self-confidence; they develop personal responsibility, an awareness of their potential, and an understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses. They acquire vital transferable skills such as planning, team working, communication, problem solving, leadership, and negotiation. They learn to show commitment and develop resilience. But most of all they have fun. Completing a DofE Award complements your academic studies and can help you stand out in university applications and job interviews. It's a chance to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and make lasting memories with your friends.
Expeditions
All expeditions take place in the Summer term, with specific dates published at the start of each academic year. To support the expeditions, there is a compulsory training day before the practice expedition.
For more detailed information about the different levels, time commitments, and expedition dates, a leaflet will be sent to the parents of all students in Years 9, 10, and 12 at the start of the term. If you have any questions, please contact our DofE Centre Manager, Mr Stevie Partington, at spartington@mayfieldgirls.org.