LEADERSHIP STARTS
WITH TEAMWORK
Benefits of DofE
Participation in the Award is a rewarding experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Students develop confidence, resilience, and independence while strengthening essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
These qualities are highly valued by universities and employers, and they provide long-term benefits for students’ future studies, careers, and personal growth.
Through the Award, students:
- Build resilience by overcoming new challenges
- Gain practical skills such as map reading, cooking, and route planning
- Strengthen teamwork and leadership through shared experiences
- Improve problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Grow in confidence and self-reliance
Bronze Award
The Bronze Award introduces students to DofE through four sections: Volunteering (3-month commitment), Physical (3-month commitment), Skill (3-month commitment), and Expedition (2 days and 1 night). Students will then select either their Volunteering, Physical or Skill sections to complete an additional 3 month, making it a 6-month commitment in total.
The first three sections can be completed through the St Clare’s CAS programme or approved external activities.
The expedition is a highlight; teams hike 12–16km per day, carrying equipment, setting up camp, navigating routes, and cooking meals.
The Bronze Award is compulsory for Pre-IB students. To prepare Pre-IB students for the expedition, practice walks are completed as part of the Pre-IB’s weekend activities programme.
 |  |
Gold Award
For IB1 students seeking a greater challenge, the Gold Award provides an even more enriching experience. Like the Bronze, it includes the Volunteering, Physical, Skill and Expedition sections, however, the commitment to each section is increased. What sets the Gold Award apart from Bronze and Silver is the Residential section, where students join new people in an unfamiliar environment to complete a shared experience. This helps them building confidence and adaptability.
| Volunteering | Physical + Skills | Expedition | Residential |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months | Plan, train for and complete a 4 day, 3 night expedition | Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights |
Direct entrances must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills section.
Training for Expeditions
- Students complete weekly sessions to prepare for the expedition and complete general admin tasks for their Gold Award.
- They must complete a training day.
- They must complete a practice expedition. This is 4 days and 3 nights.
The Gold Award is optional for IB1 students but offers an excellent opportunity to deepen leadership, resilience, and collaboration skills. Students can go into the Gold Award as a direct entrant, so no prior experience is required. If students have completed the Silver Award, they will have reduced time commitments for their Volunteering, Physical and Skill section.
A Lasting Experience
Whether Bronze or Gold, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award inspires service, adventure, and personal growth. Students form lasting friendships, create unforgettable memories, and gain skills that prepare them for life at university and beyond.
First Aid Training
Safety is central to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. All participants complete first aid training to ensure they can respond calmly and effectively to emergencies, especially during expeditions in remote area, until additional help arrives.
At St Clare’s, this training is built into the programme: Pre-IB students participate in weekly first aid training as part of their CAS programme. For IB1 students, first aid training is completed during their weekly sessions. These skills give students both practical knowledge and the confidence to take responsibility in challenging situations.
