The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The DofE award at LC
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Lutterworth College has been running in its current format since 2004.
In this time, hundreds of Lutterworth College students have participated in and completed this challenging and highly valued award. Lutterworth College has a very dedicated team of volunteer staff who are committed to ensuring that our students have the opportunity to experience the benefits of the award to their fullest.
The benefits of the award
The DofE web site states that “The benefits of participating in the award are endless.
It is an enormously valuable achievement and is recognised worldwide. Universities and employers are looking for more than good grades and extra-curricular activities; they are looking for evidence that show more of you than your academic achievements so emphasising your involvement on your UCAS application for example can tell an institution that a young person is ambitious and has a positive attitude as well as a range of interests. There are many benefits from having a DofE Award on your CV, particularly in regards to employability. Having a DofE Award will certainly help a young person stand out from the crowd.
The levels of the award
Lutterworth College offers the award at all three levels (bronze, silver and gold) allowing students to continue to develop a range of skills and qualities in order to progress through all three levels if they wish.
Some students however may wish to participate and complete one or two of the levels.
Currently, in order to participate in the award, students need to be at least 14 years of age for bronze, at least 15 years of age for silver and at least 16 years of age for gold. However, from September 2017, the age requirements will change, where students will need to be at least 13 years of age for bronze, at least 14 years of age for silver and at least 16 years of age for gold.
The sections of the award
The four sections that make up the award are:
Expedition, Physical, Volunteer and Skill. Students need to commit to the award by completing at least one hour per week in their own time by participating in an activity of their own choice within the Physical, Volunteer and Skill sections. A list of activities to choose from is available at www.dofe.org
For the expedition section, depending on level, students will participate in training walks and expeditions in Leicestershire, Warwickshire, The Peak District, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. These will take place mainly during weekends and in school holiday time.
Weekly after school sessions
Weekly after school sessions take place giving students the opportunity to work through a thorough training programme which will support them with the expedition section as well as receiving guidance and support for the three other sections and also how to use the eDofE system.
After school sessions take place as follows: (Term time only).
Bronze – Every Tuesday 3.15pm-4.45pm
Silver – Every Wednesday 3.15pm-4.45pm
Gold – Every Thursday 3.15pm-4.45pm
The DofE is all about going the extra mile – gaining new skills, pushing yourself physically, helping others and exploring new territories.
At the same time, you’ll gather friendships, experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Many of our students at Lutterworth College have gone the ‘extra mile’ and as a result have found that achieving the award has been a life changing experience. For example, our students have been enriched by giving back to their community by volunteering their time at charity shops or helping out at local sports clubs.
Many participants have also developed skills such learning how to play a musical instrument or learning to speak a new language. Some participants have even learnt how to fly a glider. In addition, participants have engaged in physical activities such as water polo, kayaking, rugby, diving and horse riding amongst many others. Through their engagement in the award, students are pushing personal boundaries, gaining new skills and enhancing their CVs and university applications.
An employer quote about the award:
"When we see a Gold Award on a CV,
we know we will be meeting candidates
who show focus and
commitment and these
are qualities we prioritise."
Liv Garfield,
Chief Executive,
Severn Trent plc
Quotes from a previous DofE participants
"Completing both my Bronze and Gold DofE Awards has taught me that the challenges and pain you face along the way are only temporary, the success and achievement lasts a lifetime!
My DofE programmes have helped mould the person that I am today. I can’t even imagine what I’d be doing today had I not taken part; I wouldn’t have the friendships I’ve made, I wouldn’t have had so much success in employment and I most definitely wouldn’t be as confident as I am today."
"Doing my DofE is one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. It has helped me to overcome my fears and made me realise I can to do more things than I thought I could. The DofE is important because it allows people of all abilities to take part, develop skills and achieve. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget."
The enrolment process
If your son / daughter is interested in participating in the award please express your interest by e mail to c.bailey@lutterworthcollege.com
Enrolment packs will be sent out in the summer term which will also include more information about the award at Lutterworth College.