Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Parent Information Booklet 2024/2025
Introduction
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a nationally recognised award supporting young people, aged from 14 – 24, to find their purpose, place and passion in the world. At Pipers, we want students to use the scheme to re-connect with their friends and nature, appreciate the countryside, promote teamwork and develop problemsolving skills to use in everyday life. Students who complete the award are offered opportunities to develop interpersonal skills, confidence and leadership qualities. The award is highly regarded by numerous universities and employers and helps applicants stand out from a competitive crowd.
Levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award
There are three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver (volunteering, physical, skills and expedition) and five at Gold (residential added). Any young person can achieve their DofE award, it isn’t about completing it first, but to push personal boundaries and to grow along the way.
Bronze
We offer the Bronze award to all of our Year 9 students. At Bronze level, students usually take six months to complete their award. The volunteering, physical and skill sections need to average an hour a week, with activities usually undertaken weekly. Students will need to undertake one section for 6 months, and the other two sections for three months. The timescales they allocate for each section are determined by them but can be changed later if needed. Please note that an activity cannot be condensed to less than one session per month.
To complete the expedition section at Bronze a two-day, one-night practice and twoday, one-night qualifier should be undertaken We currently offer a walking
expedition around the Chiltern Hills area to our students with approximately six hours of planned activity each day
Silver
We offer the Silver award to all of our Year 10 students. At Silver level, students usually take six months to complete their award. If a student hasn’t done Bronze before, then it will take them 12 months to complete. Although it is typical for activities to be undertaken weekly for volunteering, physical and skill sections, at Silver it can help for an activity to be longer, but less often. For example, students could undertake an activity once every two weeks for twice the amount of time compared to if they were completing it once a week. Please note that an activity cannot be condensed to less than one session per month. Students will need to undertake their volunteering section for six months, and then choose to do their physical and skill section for three or six months. If the student didn’t do Bronze, they will need to undertake a further six months in either volunteering, or the other six month section they have chosen.
To complete the expedition section at Silver a three-day, two-night practice and three-day, two-night qualifier excursion should be undertaken. We offer a walking expedition, and previous locations have included the Lambourn Downs and the New Forest with about seven hours of planned activity each day. At Silver groups need to think of a clearly defined Team Goal to undertake during their expedition. More can be found out about this in the Sections of Duke of Edinburgh part of this booklet.
Gold
We offer the Gold award to all of our Year 12 students. At Gold level, students usually take at least 12 months to complete their award, and up to 18 if they hadn’t previously obtained their Silver. Due to the longer timescales associated with Gold, it is recommended that students undertake an activity for their three sections for longer, but less often. For example, students could undertake an activity once every two weeks for twice the amount of time compared to if they were completing it once a week. Please note that an activity cannot be condensed to less than one session per month. Students will need to undertake their volunteering section for 12 months, and then choose to do their physical and skill section for six or 12 months. If the
expedition around the Chiltern Hills area to our students with approximately six hours of planned activity each day
Silver
We offer the Silver award to all of our Year 10 students. At Silver level, students usually take six months to complete their award. If a student hasn’t done Bronze before, then it will take them 12 months to complete. Although it is typical for activities to be undertaken weekly for volunteering, physical and skill sections, at Silver it can help for an activity to be longer, but less often. For example, students could undertake an activity once every two weeks for twice the amount of time compared to if they were completing it once a week. Please note that an activity cannot be condensed to less than one session per month. Students will need to undertake their volunteering section for six months, and then choose to do their physical and skill section for three or six months. If the student didn’t do Bronze, they will need to undertake a further six months in either volunteering, or the other six month section they have chosen.
To complete the expedition section at Silver a three-day, two-night practice and three-day, two-night qualifier excursion should be undertaken. We offer a walking expedition, and previous locations have included the Lambourn Downs and the New Forest with about seven hours of planned activity each day. At Silver groups need to think of a clearly defined Team Goal to undertake during their expedition. More can be found out about this in the Sections of Duke of Edinburgh part of this booklet.
Gold
We offer the Gold award to all of our Year 12 students. At Gold level, students usually take at least 12 months to complete their award, and up to 18 if they hadn’t previously obtained their Silver. Due to the longer timescales associated with Gold, it is recommended that students undertake an activity for their three sections for longer, but less often. For example, students could undertake an activity once every two weeks for twice the amount of time compared to if they were completing it once a week. Please note that an activity cannot be condensed to less than one session per month. Students will need to undertake their volunteering section for 12 months, and then choose to do their physical and skill section for six or 12 months. If the
Sections of Duke of Edinburgh
There are four main sections to complete to achieve a Bronze and Silver award, these are volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. At Gold a student undertakes the four sections with the addition of a residential section. For each section, a challenging but achievable goal should be set following the S.M.A.R.T. approach (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely). The activities the student completes should demonstrate development and regular progress towards this goal.
We are proud to offer a large range of activities at Pipers for our students to join in for their DofE. We also recommend looking externally for opportunities, as this will bring a new perspective to the award for the students.
Ideas for all activities can be found on the website by scanning the QR code below or clicking here.
Physical
The physical section is comprised of anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity including any sport, dance or fitness activity. Students must be aware that the physical section can easily overlap with skills and volunteering. For example, playing a sport regularly where you can show personal improvement would be a physical section, learning to coach in the same sport would be a skill and volunteering as a coach in that sport would count towards the volunteering section.
Some students may use this section for an overall aim, for example to improve respiratory fitness. They could then use a variety of sporting activities to work on this measurable goal. If a student has a medical reason they should not be doing a physically strenuous activity, sports like yoga, archery and walking can be undertaken.
Skills
For the skills section students need to choose an activity that shows they have broadened their understanding and increased their expertise in the chosen skill. This section should not be a physical activity but should focus on learning something new. A good example of a skills activity would be learning first aid through an establishment like St. John’s Ambulance. If the student then wanted to give their time, helping St. John’s Ambulance, this would then count towards their volunteering section.
Volunteering
The volunteering section should be about giving time to do something meaningful for the planet or community. Students should search for impactful opportunities around them which can be done in person or online. For this section we encourage students to work out what is meaningful to them and pursue this. Volunteering for social action causes and campaigns can be counted towards their volunteering section, if there is no financial gain for either party. Volunteering in teams is also allowed, which may make finding activities easier for students.
To highlight the number of opportunities in the local area to Pipers, the DofE have put together this map. You can also scan the QR code below to access it.
Expedition
For this section the student will need to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied expedition with a clearly defined team goal. The correct training for the expedition type must be undertaken and a practice expedition, qualifying expedition and final presentation must be finished to complete this section.
Expeditions can be done by different modes of transport including foot, bicycle, canoe and horseback. At Pipers, we currently offer an expedition on foot and have offered our students expeditions in the Chiltern Hills, Lambourn Downs, New Forest,
Brecon Beacons, Peak District and the Lake District. We are not limited to these locations and are constantly thinking of new locations for our students to explore.
The environment on the expedition should become progressively more challenging through the award levels. Bronze requires minimal fitness and technical expertise, whereas Gold requires a good level of fitness to manage the elevation gain while bearing the weight of the rucksack. Accommodation will be a mixture of bunkhouses, campsites and wild camps and expeditions will take place between April and October.
Residential (Gold only)
At Gold students are required to complete a residential section. This is where they undertake a shared activity or specific course with people they don’t know, in a residential setting away from home in an unfamiliar environment. Although this section is very fluid, it must be completed through an organised group, registered charity or Approved Activity Provider.
The activity must provide the student with an opportunity to broaden their interests and experiences. It’s ideal to try something new or can be related to existing interests or activities. It must be away from home for a minimum of five consecutive days and four-nights and separate to the practice and qualifying expeditions, work experience and an internship.
The residential section must be done individually, and not in an existing group of friends. The residential aspect cannot be spent at a friend or relatives’ accommodation.
To find residential opportunities you can look on the DofE website, or scan the QR code below.
eDofE
When a student first signs up for their DofE award they are assigned a username on the digital platform for DofE known as eDofE. They will keep this username through their whole award and will create their own password (which can be reset if forgotten).
Once logged on, the student will need to choose their activities and timelines for each section. When undertaking an activity, the student needs to gather evidence to show that they’re improving. The easiest way to do this is to complete an activity log over the months. This evidence then needs to be uploaded to the eDofE platform. The way to do this with top tips for getting sections approved can be found on the student’s Google Classroom, or on the Parent Portal.
When a student has completed their section, they will need to approach their assessor to write them a report. This can be done in their award booklet which they get when they sign up, or online. Students need to be aware that the dates on the report must match the dates on eDofE, and that the amount of time on a section equates to the full number of months, for example three months is approximately 13 hours. More information about an assessor’s report can be found on the student’s Google Classroom, or on the Parent Portal.
We must stress that an award is only presented to those who complete all their sections and upload their evidence and assessor’s report onto eDofE.
Our Bronze students pulling a funny face after their qualifying expedition.
Our Activity Provider
Pipers’ Approved Activity Provider is Wilderness Expertise and their aim is to enable fun and develop leadership and teamwork. They support schools in the running of the DofE expeditions, and tailor each level to the school’s needs. They provide a safe environment for students to develop a greater knowledge of themselves and their surroundings through the leadership of their fully qualified and experienced trainers.
Wilderness Expertise hold an Approved Activity Provider License issued by the Duke of Edinburgh Award and an Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority certificate to enable them to provide expeditions. To hold these certificates, they regularly undertake check by each of the bodies to ensure their procedures, insurance, data protection and child protection are current and relevant. In addition to the above they also hold a Learning Outside the Classroom and Adventure Activities Licensing Authority badge. Should you need further information on their credentials please visit their website here, or using the QR code below, or contact them directly.
Expedition Dates for This Year
For participants to obtain their award they must complete their training day and practice and qualifying expeditions. Please take a note of the dates for the different award levels below. These are not likely to change as they have been booked and staffed in advance, so please make sure the participant can commit to all dates before they sign up to avoid disappointment or not finishing the award.
The other sections of the award are the responsibility of the student and won’t have set dates like the expeditions.
Bronze Date Event
23 March 2025
26 – 27 April 2025
Bronze DofE Preparation Day – Students will learn what kit to bring, navigation and map reading, what food to cook and first aid. The day will end with a Q and A session with parents.
Bronze DofE Practice Weekend – Based at the school, students will put the skills they’ve learnt into practice for a two-day, one-night camp. On the last day students will test their navigation skills by hiking to a pickup point.
17 – 18 May 2025
Bronze DofE Qualifying Weekend - Students will be assessed on all the skills they have learnt on a two-day, one-night expedition in the Chiltern Hills.
Silver Date Event
22 - 23 March 2025
7 – 9 April 2025
Silver DofE Preparation Overnight – Students will refresh their memory of what kit to bring, navigation and map reading, what food to cook and first aid. They will then camp overnight at school.
Silver DofE Practice Expedition – Based in the Lambourn Downs, students will put the skills they’ve learnt into practice for a threeday, two-night camp.
23 – 25 May 2025
Silver DofE Qualifying Expedition - Students will be assessed on all the skills they have learnt on a three-day, two-night expedition based around the Dorset National Landscape.
22 March 2025
19 – 22 June 2025
27 – 31 August 2025
Gold DofE Preparation Day – Students will refresh their memory of what to bring on their expedition and navigation and map reading. Most of the day will be spent planning routes and working on the team goal.
Gold DofE Practice Expedition – Based in the Peak District or Brecon Beacons, students will put the skills they’ve learnt into practice for a four-day, three-night camp.
Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition - Students will be assessed on all the skills they have learnt on a five-day, four-night expedition based in an area chosen by the students. Past examples have been the Lake District and North Wales.
Costings
The cost of the DofE Award includes the Welcome Pack, the AAP cost and the Licence fee. It also covers the AAP instructors and AAP kit hire on every expedition and training day.
The DofE Welcome Pack includes a DofE card which allows participants to obtain discounts on kit. The estimated cost of each Award is shown below. The final cost will be advised once participant numbers are confirmed
The cost for the Practice and Qualifying Expeditions will be charged in addition to the Award cost and will be payable through Operoo. The Expedition costs cover transportation to and from the start point, accommodation expenses, staff expenses and map hire. At Pipers’ we try and reduce the cost for participants as much as possible and we do this by using school vehicles to get to expedition locations. On occasions, a coach has needed to be hired if the award level cohort have been too large for our vehicles, or the location is over four-hours away. All Expedition costs are distributed equally through the entire Award level’s cohort.
Below are the total Expedition costs, for both the Practice and Qualifying Expeditions, from last year, based on a large cohort for Bronze (67 students), a coach needed for a large number of participants at Silver and a coach to the Lake District for Gold. Please be aware these will vary this year and could be less or more depending on the number of participants.
£15
£155
£330
In order to sign up for the Award, a non-refundable deposit of £50 for Bronze and £80 for Silver and Gold will be payable through Operoo. The balance of the cost will be payable through Operoo before the end of the Autumn term. Once signed up, and the deposit paid, the full cost of the DofE Award will remain payable even if the student is subsequently withdrawn.
What is not covered by the above costings are food and personal kit per participant for each expedition. This includes walking boots, waterproofs, sleeping bags, roll mats and hiking rucksacks.
Kit
Having good kit can make the difference between a successful and enjoyable expedition, and one that is remembered for all the wrong reasons. Whether undertaking Bronze, Silver or Gold participants should refer to the online DofE kit list and adjust the number of recommended items for how long their expedition is.
The kit list can be found here or by scanning the QR code below.
When thinking about kit participants need to ask themselves how long they’re going for, what they’ve got in their wardrobe, if they need to purchase anything what else would they use it for, what can they borrow and what’s the climate going to be like. If anything does need to be purchased, then the DofE card can give a discount of up to 15% in various major outdoor retailers.
When packing clothing participants should think of the weather. It’s especially important for Silver and Gold students to pack quick drying clothing as they are out in the elements for longer. DofE recommends using multiple layers to increase flexibility and regulation of body temperature. Cotton hoodies, tracksuit bottoms and jeans should be avoided, they all retain a lot of moisture when wet and become especially heavy. Walking trousers are recommended as they are made from breathable material and often have zipped pockets for valuables. If fair skinned UPF clothing is recommended in replacement of sun cream.
Rucksacks should be around 60 litres (70 for Gold) and fit properly to reduce rubbing and aches, look for a women’s fit. Rucksacks should be waterproofed with a ruck sack liner, or individual dry bags. Walking boots should be broken in before the expedition to reduce the risk of blisters and discomfort. Good walking socks will help reduce the risk of blisters, they have more padding around rub points and are often made of material which allows feet to breathe. Waterproofs are an essential piece of kit on DofE, with jackets and trousers needed. Not only do these keep you dry in bad weather, but they also act as a barrier from the wind when cold. Sleeping bags should be mummy-shaped and the temperature rating should be checked before the expedition. If it is a one or two season sleeping bag then it will only be fit to function in hot Summer weather. A sleeping/roll mat is also needed, this is to keep the body off the cold ground. They can be inflating or foam and both have advantages.
Although students will receive training on what food to bring, dried, cured, smoked or vegetarian foods last well. It is recommended to avoid tinned or glass-jarred food due to weight, refrigerated food due to contamination and food that can easily be crushed. It is also important to remember high-sugar foods are not a good snack option for prolonged expeditions. Students also need to be aware of their protein intake, protein-high snacks are recommended. Decanting your food into waterproof bags can save on weight when preparing food for the trip. Cutlery, bowls and plates and mugs should all be as lightweight as possible and designed for camping. Each participant should also be carrying two litres of water minimum on them for each expedition.
Although Pipers’ staff and Wilderness Expertise staff will be carrying a medical kit, we recommend each participant (or team) carries a first-aid kit with them. This kit must not contain general painkillers, as these will be given by School Staff.
Below is a table to help you pack with essential items listed. Some items are weather dependent, so won’t need to be packed if the weather is extremely hot or cold. Weather will need to be checked 1 to 2 days prior to the expedition.
Item
Walking Boots
Waterproof jacket
Description
Broken in and waterproof
Needs to have taped seams
Waterproof trousers Needs to have taped seams
Insulated jacket
Can be down or synthetic but must fit under waterproof jacket
Cap To reduce scalp parting burn
Warm hat
Sunglasses
If weather is cold
Reduces hayfever affects
Gloves If weather is cold
Sleeping bag
Sleeping/roll mat
Sleeping bag liner
Pyjamas
Underwear
Walking socks
Needs to have the correct temperature (comfort) rating for the overnight temperature
Can be self-inflating or foam
Only necessary if student has one and needs extra warmth
As light as possible, if cold weather then make sure loose to trap warm air
Sports bras are recommended
Not cotton fashion socks
Packed
Hiking T-shirts
Hiking long sleeved top
Fleece
Not cotton or heavy material, needs to dry quick
Check if weather is cold, or use as sun protection, must be quick dry
Not a hoody, needs to be lightweight
Walking trousers/sports leggings Not tracksuits, needs to be lightweight and quick dry
Shorts
Depending on weather, must be mid-thigh length or below
Flip-flops/sliders In camp used after cooking only
Rucksack 60L +
Rucksack liner/dry bags
Even if not raining, good to have
Headtorch Fully charged/ with full batteries
Personal first aid kit
Food
Water bottle
Can be bought or made, include hand sanitizer
Enough for the number of days hiking with lots of healthy snacks to maintain energy –chewing gum is not permitted
Minimum of 2L, bring 2 if only 1L
Cutlery Lightweight
Plate/bowl/mug Lightweight/ collapsible
Scourers Brillo pad brand
Matches Stormproof
Wash kit
Heavy items could be shared between group e.g. toothpaste
Suncream UPF 50 recommended
Towel Lightweight towel if needed
Small quantity of money In case of emergencies
Notebook with pen/pencil For recording group aim
Watch
With alarm function as won’t have phone
Toilet paper One roll per group if needed
Bin bags For personal rubbish
Compass Silva, or other DofE recommended brands
Camera One per group is sufficient
Walking poles If required to ease weight of pack
If kit is needed, we recommend renting from a website which provides students with a DofE kit pack to rent. There are many options to find through a search engine.
If interested in a kit swap or donation service through Pipers’, please get in touch with our DofE coordinator as we the school is looking to launch this service.
Contact
If you have any further questions about the information in this booklet or the award itself, please contact our DofE coordinator.
E: dofe@piperscorner.co.uk
T: 01494 719 804
