The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme was founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. His aim was to give the young people of the time a challenge to go out and experience different physical activities, meet people and make new friends, become more self-sufficient, to help others and develop new skills. These are still very much relevant today.

The DofE Award, as it is more popularly known today, is open to all Priory City of Lincoln Academy students from the age of 14. There are three Award levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Within each level there are four sections, although at Gold level the scheme includes a fifth “residential element”. The sections are: Physical, Skills, Volunteering, and Expedition.

Self-development plays a key part of the Scheme. As students progress through the levels, the time element within sections becomes longer, culminating in 12 months for Gold and a 50-mile expedition in "Wild Country" over four days.

There is a registration fee which is paid via the Academy to Lincolnshire County Council, the operating authority.

Although the Scheme is available to anyone between the ages of 14 and 25, it is the aim of the Academy that the Awards are completed within the time frame of Year 9 to Year 13. There are 10 “Guiding Principles” which are at the heart of the Scheme and drive the programmes.

Guiding Principles

• The Scheme is non competitive.
• The Award should be achievable by all.
• It is voluntary.
• The Scheme should inspire personal and social development.
• The Award is personalised to fit the needs of the individual participant.
• The student should complete a balanced and wide-ranging programme.
• The Scheme is progressive through its levels in terms of time, commitment and responsibility from the student.
• Before starting an activity, the students are encouraged to set their own challenging goals; the aim being that if they achieve these and show improvement, they will achieve the Award.
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme demands a high commitment and level of perseverance.
• The student should find the Scheme both enjoyable and rewarding.

The Academy supports the students in many ways, encouraging them and where appropriate helping them to find volunteer work, for example.

The benefits to the students involved in the Scheme are many and they may not come to realise some until years later.

The Priory City of Lincoln Academy wishes the students every success while involved in the Scheme, and hope that they thoroughly enjoy their time involved in The DofE Award.

Any queries, please contact Miss Black at the Academy.