Participating in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award allows young people to explore new activities and enhance their existing skills.
Participants can work through three progressive levels, ultimately earning a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.
Depending on their age, young individuals can start at any level, although most choose to begin with Bronze and progress from there.
The award consists of four sections for the Bronze and Silver levels—Skill, Physical, Volunteering, and Expedition—with an additional residential section required for the Gold level.
The best part is that participants have the freedom to choose their activities.
Completing an award takes a minimum of six months and requires a weekly commitment for the initial three sections. It is well-known that exercise and movement substantially benefit mental health while also providing significant physical health advantages. This has become increasingly important following the pandemic, during which many of us spent extended periods at home. Incorporating outdoor activities into your DofE program can provide a much-needed uplift.
Loneliness and isolation can have a detrimental effect on mental well-being, and for those who struggle with social anxiety, connecting with new people can be especially challenging.
Many DofE participants report that the program has helped them build new friendships and feel more confident in social situations. Engaging in the same activities repeatedly can lead to boredom, hinder personal growth, and negatively impact mood. Throughout all four sections of the DofE, or five for the Gold level, participants have the opportunity to try different activities, step outside their comfort zones, and feel re-energised. Achieving challenging goals can significantly boost self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental well-being.
Course Modules
As this course is individualised and young focused and tailored to needs through our specific learning planning the process and course units will be developed in targeted approach to each young person.
Awarding Body
DofE
Student Expected Outcomes
We expect young people to develop greater self-awareness, reflective decision-making skills, and an understanding of health. They should learn to consider their choices and the impact of external influences. Additionally, we want them to cultivate compassion, empathy, and consideration for themselves and others. Overall, we expect young people to build resilience and tolerance toward the complexities they encounter in their experiences, enabling them to navigate these challenges in a protective and positive manner.
Key Stage course delivered to
KS3;KS4;KS5
Admissions Criteria
This course is suitable for secondary aged young people. Aspire and Thrive support and assist young people who find their experiences in learning and education to be complex. Attending, engaging, or sustaining their education may be challenging, and their needs might not be met.
Staff Experience
At Aspire and Thrive, our clinical team provides reflective practice, group supervision, and further integrates our model of trauma-informed and therapeutic practices. Our team has extensive experience in social care, education, early help, and services for young people and families. All Aspire and Thrive colleagues undergo a comprehensive training plan and development strategy, which is framed within our training matrix.
Delivery Area
Our environments are mainly semi rural, exclusive to Aspire and Thrive. Our Environments are low arousal and low noise in terms of experience and atmosphere.
Programme length
Up to a whole Academic Year
Transport Provided
Yes
Days Of Delivery
Monday AM or PM
Times of Delivery
9:30am - 12:30pm
Well-being assessment tools
Aspire and Thrive complete a wellbeing slate and a strength and difficulties questionnaires each half term
