The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a well‑known programme that recognises the achievements of young people and helps them make a strong impression when applying for further education, apprenticeships, or employment. By taking part, students build valuable qualities such as resilience, confidence, commitment, empathy, teamwork and problem‑solving skills that support them as they move into adult life.
At The Highfield School, we value the structure and motivation the award brings to students’ extracurricular involvement, as well as the chance it provides for them to contribute to the wider community. As part of their DofE journey, our students volunteer with a range of local organisations, including charity shops, sports clubs, Girlguiding, Scouting, and many other community groups.
At The Highfield School, students have the opportunity to start the Bronze Award at the start of Year 9 and progress to the Silver Award in Year 10.
There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, and completing an expedition.
Students take part in an expedition training programme, including a practice expedition, appropriate to their award level, before undertaking a qualifying expedition. Currently the Bronze expeditions take place locally and the Silver Expeditions take place in the Chiltern Hills.
Useful links for students
