Key Stage 4
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award empowers young people to challenge themselves, discover their potential, and build resilience for life. ~ E. Handley
Key Stage 4
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award empowers young people to challenge themselves, discover their potential, and build resilience for life. ~ E. Handley
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
To ensure all students have the opportunity to try activities relating to physical activity, practicing specific skills, volunteering for the community and outdoor pursuits.
Training lessons to compliment practical lessons:
Training lessons to compliment practical lessons:
DofE is Growth
Students will be able to…
The DofE curriculum is grounded in experiential learning, with a strong emphasis on personal development, resilience, and social responsibility. Activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that all students can succeed regardless of ability or background. A broad range of physical, creative, and practical skill-based tasks provide opportunities for students to discover new interests and talents, while structured reflection encourages growth in confidence and independence. The curriculum supports cross-curricular links, nurtures teamwork, and promotes a strong sense of community, helping students to develop both as individuals and as active citizens.
In Year 10-11, all students will have access to the full range of activities that are available during their weekly timetabled Duke of Edinburgh lessons and also as part of the City & Guilds qualifications that we have to offer at New Heights KS4. The aim of which is to build resilience and perseverance in our young people as well as introducing them to new activities which they may not have the opportunity to participate in either in mainstream school settings or as extra-curricular activities. Students are assessed on the basis of 4 sections which must all be completed in order to achieve the DofE Bronze award. These are as follows:
The DofE programme is rooted in real-world relevance. Everything students do – from volunteering and team sports to cooking and learning new skills – connects directly to everyday experiences and challenges. It encourages young people to step outside their usual routines, develop independence, and build a sense of purpose and belonging within their community.
Activities are flexible and responsive to students’ interests, local opportunities, and current events, making learning feel meaningful and immediate. Whether it’s fixing a bike, helping at a food bank, or mastering campfire cooking, the skills gained are practical, transferable, and empowering.
DofE is life in action.
Duke of Edinburgh is a prestigious award which will compliment any student’s CV and create more post-16 opportunities and the award can be continued to Gold level once the students are 18. The DofE award uses many skills which could encourage a student into different career pathways, such as armed forces or outdoor education. Furthermore, the skills section will give the students experience in different trades.
DofE builds skills
Students are regularly encouraged to see how the skills they develop through DofE – perseverance, communication, teamwork, leadership, and initiative – are not only valuable but highly sought after in the workplace.
We challenge the idea that academic success is the only path to achievement. DofE helps young people recognise their strengths and opens doors to a wide range of careers, including but not limited to:
The award stands out on CVs and applications, showing future employers or colleges that students are committed, capable, and ready to take on a challenge.