The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an exciting and challenging programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for young people. It encourages you to widen your interests, get involved in the community, and broaden your horizons.

Why should I take part?

By taking part in the award it will allow you to:

Have fun and meet new people
Broaden your experience through a range of exciting and challenging situations
Develop new skills, explore new places and participate in new activities
Build you self-confidence to make your own decisions
Improve your personal and social development

Quote (from a Young Person)

“ I would advise any young person to become involved in the Award as it has helped me tremendously, the Award is not for the upper classes or the most motivated, it is for every one from all walks of life no matter what are the circumstances, just believe in yourself you can achieve what you want, the world is yours and the Award is an excellent tool to help you achieve your dreams” - Lee

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14 - 25, regardless of gender, background or ability. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive and enjoyable activities in their free time, involving them in their communities and widening their interests.

There are three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - and, for each, you complete activities in four sections - Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expeditions. At Gold level you also undertake a Residential Project.

The Award is a registered charity and relies on the generous support of volunteers, local authorities and business to meet its commitment to help all young people realise their full potential.

Introduction by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

"The object [of the Award] is to provide an introduction to worthwhile leisure activities and voluntary service; as a challenge to the individual to discover the satisfaction of achievement and as a guide for those people and organisations who would like to encourage the development of their younger fellow citizens. I hope that all those who take part in this scheme will find an added purpose and pleasure in their lives. I am quite sure that all those who help to run it will gain that special sense of satisfaction which comes from helping others to discover hidden abilities and to overcome a challenge."

[ external link: click here to read the full introduction ]

Benefits to Participants

In taking part, participants develop:

self-belief
self-confidence
a sense of identity
independence - of thought and action
a sense of responsibility
an awareness of their potential
new talents and abilities
an understanding of strengths and weaknesses
the ability to plan and use time effectively
the ability to learn from and give to others in the community
new relationships
skills including problem solving, presentation and communication
the ability to lead and work as part of a team