DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College fully embraces the Duke of Edinburgh award and has a vibrant cohort of students (over 100+ each year) completing all levels of the award.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award comprises three stages — Bronze, Silver, and Gold — and involves participating in activities such as skills, physical activities, volunteering, and an expedition. Completion of the Award will help give you the skills, confidence, and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.
The Award recognises commitment, endeavour, and a capacity for teamwork, whether that be in newly discovered activities ahead or things you already do. In completing the award, you’ll make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends, and have memories to last a lifetime.
Currently, we take expeditions for Bronze to the Cotswolds, Silver to Exmoor National Park in Somerset, and Gold to be assessed on the Snowdonia in Wales.
For all awards, the school will supply tents, stoves, fuel, compasses, maps and team first aid kits.
Financial support may be available for families in receipt of Pupil Premium (Free School Meals). If this applies to you, or you are not sure please get in touch. DofE aims to be accessible to all, irrespective of financial situations
Provisional dates for each award are below:
| Bronze: Training Day: Saturday 15th May 2027 Practice: Thursday 17th and Friday 18th June 2027 Assessment: Thursday 8th and Friday 9th July 2027 |
| Silver: Practice: Wednesday 14th – Friday 16th April 2027 Assessment: Wednesday 19th – Friday 21st May 2027 |
| Gold: Practice: Tuesday 20th – Friday 23rd April 2027 Assessment: Tuesday 13th – Friday 16th July 2027 |
The Useful Document section below shows additional information you may need. Please note the following pieces of information:
- The dates for the practice and assessment expedition are non-negotiable, so please check carefully.
- Students can participate in the Silver award as direct entrants without having taken part in the Bronze award, although some additional time must be spent on a chosen section.
- Students who have started the Bronze award, must have it fully completed before they are able to start the silver award.
- Students can still participate in the Gold award as direct entrants in Year 12 if they are unable to participate in the Silver or Bronze awards. Again, additional time must be spent on a chosen section.
We strongly encourage students to get involved and take up this challenge.
For further information, please contact the below:
DofE Manager: Mr Kench – pkench@ridgewayschool.co.uk
DofE Co-Ordinator: Mr Atkins – catkins@ridgewayschool.co.uk