Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) is an opportunity for students to build resilience, explore new interests and feel a sense of achievement. The DofE is open to all students from Year 9 onwards and has three progressive levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold.

At Bronze and Silver levels, students complete four sections. The physical section requires students to be active and take part in a sport they enjoy. The skills sections challenges students to develop their knowledge in their chosen discipline. The volunteering section encourages students to become part of their local community and donate their time to a meaningful cause. Finally, the expedition section requires students to work together as a team, set up camp and independently navigate a route through the countryside. At Gold level, students also complete a four-day residential away from home.

John Taylor High School partner with ICY UK as our expedition providers. Managed by Rhydian Wilson, ICY UK organise, manage and deliver high-challenge expeditions that promote students’ independence and organisation. Together, our aim is for students to return from expedition with a new sense of adventure and an assured self of self. We run our expeditions in the Peak District. At Gold, students are free to choose their own locations however most choose to complete theirs in the Welsh Cambrian mountains with Rhydian’s team.

At John Taylor High School, students have enjoyed great success through their Duke of Edinburgh award. The award allows students to strive for personal excellence and gain new skills that enhance their CVs and University applications. Each year, we are proud to see many our students achieve success through the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Historically,  the numbers of students participating at the three levels of DofE are:

• 60 Y9 completing Bronze Award
• 40 Y10 completing their Silver
• 10 sixth formers completing the Gold Award

Please speak to Miss Platts for more information about Duke of Edinburgh.