Duke of Edinburgh
Staff
In school, the DofE Award is co-ordinated by Mr Crozier. He supports pupils in the completion of all sections using the online edofe profiles as well as organizing training on a near weekly basis with the participants undertaking practice expeditions before their qualifying expedition. There is also a large group of willing and qualified staff and volunteers who help with the supervision of expeditions.
About the Scheme
The concept of the DofE is simple – young people aged between 14 and 24 can do a programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. To read more about the Award, please visit the official website.
Omagh Academy currently offers the Direct Entry Gold Award for students in Years 12, 13 & 14.
What is involved in the Award Scheme?
There are four sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. Pupils select and set objectives in each of the following areas:
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Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
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Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
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Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
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Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.
At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.
Each section must be done for a minimum period of time. It must be monitored and then assessed by someone with knowledge of that particular activity to achieve an Award. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants.
Benefits of the Award Scheme?
The DofE gives you the chance to do something completely new and improve on things you’re already doing. It takes you out of your comfort zone and into a place where you’ll push yourself and have amazing new experiences. You’ll build confidence, resilience, skills for work and friendship groups. And you’ll have a brilliant time doing it.
Looking forward, the DofE can help you to carve out a better future. Colleges, universities and employers regard a DofE Award highly so it will help to open the right doors for you. If you’re keen to get off the sofa and put 100% into something that could change your life, the DofE is for you.