About DofE
The DofE Award is a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.
14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.
Any young person can do their DofE regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and uni and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.
Within the authority our team work closely with staff and pupils in schools, workplaces and youth centres to offer the award to young people!
Contact our team to discuss your options or if you are at school contact your school coordinator.
Why take part?
Gain skills
Develop confidence
Have fun
Improve your health and wellbeing
Become a leader
Boost your mental health
Stand out in a crowd
The DofE Award is made up of different sections that help young people build confidence, learn new skills, and discover their potential. Each part offers a chance to grow, give back, and take on new challenges. Here’s what’s involved:
Volunteering
Volunteering is simple. It’s about choosing to give time to help people, the community or society, the environment or animals.
For your physical activity you need to choose any sport, dance or fitness activity in short, anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity.
Skills
For your skills activity you need to choose an activity that will allow you to prove you have broadened your understanding and increased your expertise in your chosen skill.
Expedition
For your Expedition section, you will need to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim. You must do the correct training for your level and mode of travel, at least one practice expedition, a qualifying expedition (the one that is assessed) and a final presentation in order to complete the section.
Residential (Gold only)
For your Residential section you need to undertake a shared activity or specific course with people you don’t know, in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. Evenings are often as much a part of the experience as daytime activities.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is available across South Ayrshire, giving young people the chance to get involved through a range of local centres.
Across South Ayrshire, the Award is delivered in 15 centres, including schools, youth groups and independent organisations. Each centre is responsible for supporting young people throughout their DofE journey—helping them choose their activities, stay on track, and complete each section successfully.
Every centre has a dedicated DofE coordinator who acts as the main point of contact. They provide advice, encouragement and practical support, making sure participants feel confident and prepared at every stage. Whether you’re just getting started or nearing completion, your local centre is there to guide you.
During 2019-20. Pupils starting an award:
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Completed awards:
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Certificates of achievement:
(to date)
It’s an official recognition, by the DofE, of just how much young people have achieved by completing your Skills, Volunteering and Physical sections.
The pandemic continues to impact young people’s physical and mental wellbeing. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to support young people to build resilience, vital skills and provide a level of stability and positive focus.