Highdown School is proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at all three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold— in partnership with School of Outdoors. This prestigious programme provides students with invaluable opportunities to develop resilience, leadership skills, and independence, all while undertaking challenging expeditions across Wales, the New Forest, and the Chilterns.
Programme Structure:
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Bronze Award – Year 9
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Silver Award – Year 10
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Gold Award – Year 12
Students who participate in the DofE programme engage in a well-rounded experience that includes volunteering, developing new skills, physical activities, and expeditions. The award supports personal growth, enhances university and job applications, and encourages young people to contribute positively to their community.
Expeditions
Each level of the award includes an expedition designed to build teamwork, navigation skills, and outdoor survival techniques. Highdown School students embark on Bronze expeditions in the New Forest, Silver expeditions in the Chilterns, and Gold expeditions in Wales, ensuring a progression of challenge and adventure suited to their level.
At the Gold level, students undertake a more demanding expedition, refining the skills developed at Bronze and Silver while working towards their final assessment. The Gold Award also includes a Residential section, where students take part in a shared experience with people they have not met before, further enhancing their confidence and social skills.
Why Take Part?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offers students the chance to:
✔ Build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills
✔ Develop resilience and problem-solving abilities
✔ Improve physical fitness and outdoor navigation
✔ Gain valuable experience for university and job applications
✔ Take on new challenges and push personal boundaries
How to Get Involved
Highdown School students have the opportunity to start their DofE journey in Year 9 with Bronze, progress to Silver in Year 10, and complete their Gold Award in Year 12. Interested students should speak to our DofE coordinator, Mr Colvin.
