We're delighted to offer both the Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) through the College this year.
The DofE is a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself, build confidence, develop new skills and try something different. Whether you're looking to boost your university application, gain experience for future employment, or simply take part in something rewarding, DofE can help you achieve your goals.
Through the Award, you'll develop valuable life skills including:
You'll also have the chance to make new friends, support your local community, improve your wellbeing and create lasting memories.
We offer the Silver and the Gold Award. You do not need to have completed Bronze before starting either the Silver or Gold Award.
Find a comparison summary of the Silver and Gold Awards below:
Physical Activity - Take part in a sport or physical activity of your choice. | |
| Silver | Yes |
| Gold | Yes |
Volunteering - Give your time to support your community. | |
| Silver | Yes |
| Gold | Yes |
Skills - Develop an existing skill or learn something completely new from over 200 activity options. | |
| Silver | Yes |
| Gold | Yes |
Expedition - Plan, train for and complete an adventurous expedition. | |
| Silver | 3 days and 2 nights with 7 hours of daily activity in open countryside |
| Gold | 4 days and 3 nights with 8 hours of daily activity in remote "wild country" |
Residential Activity | |
| Silver | No |
| Gold | Spend at least five days away from home taking part in a shared activity with people you do not already know. |
DofE is a year-long enrichment programme that requires commitment, organisation and motivation.
Students complete their DofE activities mainly in their own time, working towards agreed targets throughout the year. The College DofE team will provide guidance and support, including a regular weekly drop-in clinic.
The below fees are required as part of acceptance onto the programme:
| Award | Silver |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | £75 |
| Award | Gold |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | £80 |
The above fees cover DofE registration, administration and support provided by the College.
Please note that Expedition and Gold residential costs are not included in the registration fee. Students are responsible for organising and funding these activities through Approved Activity Providers on the DofE website and any associated costs will be outlined by the Provider.
Please consider the following very carefully:
Time commitment | |
Can you commit the time and effort needed to complete all sections of the Award over the year? |
Financial commitments | |
Are you able to meet the additional costs associated with expeditions and, for Gold participants, the residential section? |
Other Enrichment activities | |
Please note that DofE can only be taken alongside Sport or Music enrichment activities. Please check the Enrichment Brochure before signing up. If you choose DofE, you should not sign up for any other enrichment programme unless it is Sport or Music. |
Exhibition type | |
Before signing up, we strongly recommend researching potential providers and choosing an expedition style that interests you, for example: Walking; Horseback Riding; Canoeing; Cycling |
Year 12s who wish to take DofE as their Enrichment should complete the sign up form before Monday 7 September, 12 noon.
Important: If you choose DofE, please do not select another Enrichment activity (unless you already participate in Sport or Music).
Visit the DofE website, or contact the Hills Road DofE team, using the buttons below.
We look forward to supporting students as they take on the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and make the most of this exciting opportunity.
