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THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is open to young people aged 14-24. Experience Outdoors operates as part of the City of Edinburgh Council's license to deliver the Award programme at all levels. Based in the Bangholm Outdoor Centre in Edinburgh the DofE Unit supports 44 DofE Centres across the city including 21 out of the 23 secondary schools. So, if you are looking to start your award's journey, there will be a Centre in your local learning community.

There are three levels of the programme you can do which, when completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The main differences between the levels are the minimum length of time they take to complete, how challenging they are and the minimum age you can start.

The award levels sectioned which build into a holistic, progressive, self-development programme. Activities for each DofE section take a minimum of one hour a week over a set period to complete so that they can fit in around academic study, hobbies and social lives. The participants set goals at the start of each section, so they can track their progress and reflect on their success before moving on to the next part. All participants must complete the activities before their 25th birthday.

Experience Outdoors have an events section on this website where you can learn more and book your award course. Visit the awards and achievements events section to explore our current courses. Our recent course has included the residential gold award in snow sports which takes place at our Lagganlia Outdoor Centre near Aviemore and the Wildlife of Scotland gold award tour which takes in Scotland's west coast based at our Benmore Outdoor Centre before travelling to Lagganlia for the second part of the tour, a truly unique course.

Each DofE Award is a unique journey where young people develop through completing diverse activities that can be outside their comfort zone to help them build confidence and resilience.

To get involved visit our events page or enquire using the form. If you would like more information on the wider DofE Awards, visit The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Website +

AWARD LEVELS

BRONZE

  • For those aged 14+ years
  • Volunteering section - three months 
  • Physical section - three months 
  • Skills section - three months 
  • Expedition section - two days and one night 
  • You also have to do three more months in one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections.

SILVER

  • For those aged 15+ years 
  • Volunteering section - six months 
  • Physical and Skills sections - one section for six months and the other section for three months 
  • Expedition section - three days and two nights 
  • If you didn’t do Bronze, you must undertake a further six months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.

GOLD

  • For those aged 16+ years 
  • Volunteering section - 12 months 
  • Physical and Skills sections - one section for 12 months and the other section for six months 
  • Expedition section - four days and three nights 
  • Residential section - undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for five days and four nights
  • If you didn’t do Silver, you must embark on a further six months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.

AVAILABLE AT

Bangholm

Fraser Robertson
Outdoor Learning Development Officer

Bangholm Outdoor Centre
23 Craighall Gardens
Edinburgh
EH6 4RJ
0131 551 4370
07824 526 492
fraser.robertson@edinburgh.gov.uk

DofE AWARD ENQUIRY +

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Here are some of the most popular questions we get asked. Click on the relevant tab and question heading, and you should find the answer you’re looking for!
What is the DofE?

Doing a DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. You need to be aged between 14-24 and want to do something different, adventurous and fun. You can do programmes at three levels which when you've completed them lead to a bronze, silver or gold award. You create your plan which has four sections, volunteering, physical, skill and expedition and at gold, there is an extra section, residential. These activities contribute to a rounded self-development programme.

How old do I need to be?

You can start your bronze award in the academic year that you turn 14. The silver award in the academic year you turn 15 and gold once you are 16. You can take part in the programme until your 25th birthday.

Where can I take part?

In Edinburgh most schools will have a DofE group running, so check school noticeboards for information about the DofE. There are also open award groups in the city which meet in the evenings. There are groups in Drummond HS, James Gillespie's HS and Balerno HS.

Can my friend join?

Yes, you can join the DOfE group with your friends, and in a group, you will probably make new friends too. 

How much will it cost?

Registration is currently £21.50 for bronze and silver participants and £28 for gold. The section activities will also cost something, but this cost will be determined by what you do.

How long will it take?

You can complete bronze and silver levels in six months. However, it generally takes about one year.  Due to the increase in time commitments the gold award takes about 18-24 months to complete.

Why should I start DofE?

Having a DofE award has been shown to make people stand out from the crowd when it comes to job and university applications. It gives you something to put on your CV and lots to talk about at an interview, and it also shows that you've developed skills employers are looking for, such as teamwork, resilience and communication.

Do activities I already do count towards my DofE?

Yes, activities you are doing can count towards your DofE programme. However, it's always an excellent opportunity to stretch yourself and try something new. 

What activities do I need to do?

At each level, you need to complete some volunteering, physical activity and skill. Plus take part in an expedition. At gold, you also need to go on a residential. 

How do I record my activities?

You record your programme on an application called eDofE. It is web-based. Therefore you can access your progress achievement from anywhere with a data connection. There is also a mobile-friendly site which makes it easier to upload evidence on the move.

Do I need to start at bronze?

No, if you are old enough, you could start at silver or gold. However, there is a long time commitment for one section.

What is the DofE?

DofE programmes consist of non-competitive voluntary activities for young people. There are three progressive levels, bronze, silver and gold which require an increasing level of commitment and more time from the young people.

Are there age restrictions?

You can start your bronze award in the academic year that you turn 14. The silver award in the academic year you turn 15 and gold once you are 16. You can take part in the programme until your 25th birthday.

Where do they take part?

In Edinburgh most schools will have a DofE group running, so check school noticeboards for information about the DofE. There are also open award groups in the city which meet in the evenings. There are groups in Drummond HS, James Gillespie's HS and Balerno HS.

How much will this cost?

Registration is currently £21.50 for bronze and silver participants and £28 for gold. The section activities will also cost something, but this cost will be determined by what the young person does.

How long will it take?

You can complete bronze and silver levels in six months. However, it generally takes about one year. Due to the increase in time commitments the gold award takes about 18-24 months to complete.

Who will supervise the group?

Teachers in schools, youth workers or volunteers will oversee the centre based sessions. When on expedition supervisors will hold the appropriate qualification for the activity they are doing and the terrain they are doing it in. All leaders involved with the DofE programme in Edinburgh will have completed a Protecting Vulnerable Groups, PVG, check.

What level of insurance is included?

The DofE provides limited personal accident insurance which provides a specific benefit in the event of a participant sustaining an accidental bodily injury while taking part in an approved DofE activity.  The City of Edinburgh Council has Public Liability Insurance to cover claims against them or damage caused to, or by, young people doing a DofE programme.

How do they record their activities?

Young people record their activities on a web-based application called eDofE which complies with ISO / IEC 27001 ISM standards.

Do I need to buy expedition equipment?

All of the group expedition equipment can be hired from DofE equipment stores in the FOTA charity office or at Bangholm Outdoor centre. Some personal equipment is available to hire, including; boots, rucksacks, waterproofs and sleeping backs but personal clothing will need to be supplied by the individual.

Can they start at Gold?

Yes, participants can begin at silver or gold if they are of the correct age.

What are the benefits to doing the DofE?

When your child does their DofE programme, they will develop the skills and attitudes they need to become more rounded, confident adults. Which are qualities that attract colleges, universities and employers. So when you support your child's pursuit of their DofE Award, you are investing in their future.

How do I know my child will be safe?

All City of Edinburgh DofE approved centres are licenced by AALA. You can view a copy of AALA Licence for all locations:

What is the DofE?

DofE programmes consist of non-competitive voluntary activities for young people. Anyone aged between 14-24 can do a DofE programme. There are three progressive levels, bronze, silver and gold which require an increasing commitment and more time from the young people.

What will I gain from volunteering?

As a DofE volunteer, you'll learn an unbeatable sense of achievement. You'll also develop your leadership skills, master new activities, make new friends, achieve personal goals, give back to your community and have a lot of fun.

How much time will I need to give?

Depending on the responsibility and role you take on it will differ from a couple of weekends a year to a regular commitment of a few hours every week.

What skills do I need?

To be able to inspire young people to develop themselves and the social skills to work with others and as part of a team.

What training can I access?

The is a full modular training framework of courses to help you get the most from your DofE volunteering experience. As well as access to walking and cycling qualifications so you can lead expeditions.

Where can I volunteer?

There are DoFE groups across Edinburgh, so depending on where you work or live we would see if you can volunteer at your local centre. Visit our Work with us page for volunteer information.

Can I volunteer only on expeditions?

Yes, if you'd like to supervise or assess expeditions, you can volunteer in this way.

Do I need a PVG check?

Yes, all volunteers need to complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups check along with criminal conviction self-declaration form.