Duke of Edinburgh's Award

An introduction to the DofE award scheme.

Background

The Duke of Edinburghs award scheme was set up in 1956 and is designed to challenge and inspire young people. It is named for HRH Prince Philip who was involved in its creation. It is now an international award scheme operating overseas under and alternative name "The International Award For Young People".

The scheme is a recognised and respected extra-curricular award scheme and is popular with employers and universities as an indicator of personal ambition and drive.

Award Level

The award scheme has three levels intending to represent increasing difficulty and allow a development of challenge as participants move through the scheme.

The levels are Bronze, Silver and Gold there are benefits in progressing through all levels of the scheme, but participants can start at any level they choose (subject to age limitations).

DofE in Scouting

The award scheme is synonymous with the Platinum-Diamond-Queen Scout awards and indeed counts as partial qualification for the scout award scheme. 

The DofE award can be worn on Explorer, Network and Leader uniforms (only the highest earned is worn).

More information about the scheme can be found at http://www.dofe.org/