Duke of Edinburgh Award (KS4)
Curriculum Vision
The curriculum intent for the Duke of Edinburgh award (DofE) at Newbridge is to develop students’ resilience, teamwork and leadership skills through challenging and rewarding experiences beyond the classroom. The award promotes inclusivity and ensures that every student, regardless of their impairment or abilities, has access to the DofE award.
DofE stimulates personal growth and enhances life skills by equipping students with practical skills and experiences that will benefit them in their future endeavors.
The award produces memorable experiences and provides opportunities for students to participate in activities and expeditions that are enjoyable and challenging.
We want students to develop their communication skills, teamwork, confidence and outdoor awareness.
The skills section encourages students to learn new skills or hone existing ones. DofE promotes intellectual growth through problem solving tasks. Students are required to plan and work towards their goals fostering self-discipline, organisation and reflective thinking.
Resilience and perseverance are a massive challenge for the students undertaking DofE, especially during the expeditions. Overcoming these challenges builds resilience and emotional strength.
Teamwork and collaboration are necessary during activities and the expeditions which require students to work in groups. Students learn to cooperate, share responsibilities and resolve conflicts which are crucial social skills.
DofE develops students’ skills such as time management as they must undertake planning and manage their time effectively. This helps develop discipline and the ability to multi task when needed. Problem solving activities and scenarios require students to think critically, make decisions under pressure which are excellent transferable skills for the future. DofE boosts student confidence and independence skills. On expedition students are required to take responsibility for their equipment and show good organisational skills. The volunteering section enables students to engage with their community and broaden social awareness sometimes working with diverse groups.
Duke of Edinburgh Lessons
We implement our award through fun, challenging and interesting activities carried out in a variety of glorious outdoor locations. Staff are experienced and trained and will develop an understanding of student’s strengths, weaknesses, interests and personal goals. This understanding allows them to tailor support based on each participants personal, and academic background ensuring students are engaged and motivated throughout the award.
Staff use a structured, step by step approach to help students build the skills needed for various sections of the award. Throughout the award staff give regular constructive feedback, helping students reflect on their progress. Direct instruction is used to deliver essential skills and knowledge. This ensures students acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills efficiently, especially in areas where safety and precision are critical.
Group tasks foster teamwork, communication and leadership skills which are essential for the DofE challenges. The benefits of this are that peer learning improves social skills and enhances the ability to work in teams which is critical in education and future employment.
Experiential learning is where students learn by doing, engaging in hands on activities and experiences. This provides deep meaningful learning through real world application. This enhances skills and knowledge retention, builds confidence and allows students to see the impact of their work. Students will use a variety of resources when on DofE including tents, cookers, sleeping bags, maps, compasses and appropriate clothing for the outdoors.
Impact
The expected outcome is each student will achieve the level award they aim for (Bronze, Silver and/or Gold). If students do not complete the required sections they will achieve a Certificate of Achievement.
Personal progress is measured through skill and knowledge acquisition enabling students to become more independent as the award continues.
Progress is recorded through a tracker system (Excel) and on personal DofE electronic profiles.
DofE sets students apart when completing job applications in the future. It demonstrates not only their commitment to personal development but also their ability to handle challenges outside the classroom.
