The award is a challenging programme of activities which will help you to learn new skills, help other people, and experience adventure. It will give you a great sense of   achievement. What’s more, many organisations such as employers and universities take a very positive view of the award -  and what it says about the person who has achieved it.

 

There are three levels to achieve – Bronze, Silver and Gold - and, for each, you complete activities in four Sections - Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expeditions. At the Gold level you also take part in a Residential Project. It’s up to you what you do. In each Section there is a wide range of options you can choose from or you can find other similar activities which interest you. This could be something entirely new or you could continue with an activity you already enjoy. The good news is that it’s not an exam and you can’t fail! The award is about having a go. It’s not a competition – you just need a bit of enterprise and perseverance.

 

 

The minimum time requirements for each Section are expressed in months, during which you need to undertake a regular commitment averaging at least an hour a week.

 

You have until your 25th birthday to complete any of the award levels, but it takes at least 6 months at Bronze, 12 months at Silver and 18 months at Gold for direct entrants.

 

 

Bronze Award (14 Years +)

 

Volunteering	Skills	Physical	Expeditions
3 Months	3 Months	3 Months	Plan, prepare for and undertake a 2 day, 1 night expedition
All participants must undertake a further 3 months in either the Volunteering, Skills or Physical section
Volunteering - Volunteering in the ACF appropriate to rank and experience Cadet & Community Expedition - A bronze expedition will automatically qualify for a 2-Star expedition training Skill - Programmes which involve ACF activities Skill at Arms & Shooting, Marksmanship, Clay Pigeon, Shooting, Ceremonial Drill, Military Insignia, Music, Signalling, Map Making, First Aid, Casualty Simulation, Model Soldiers, War Games, Military History Physical - APC 2-star Physical Recreation – must last for period appropriate to DofE level

 

Silver Award (15 Years +)

 

Volunteering	Skills	Physical	Expeditions
6 Months	One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months		Plan, prepare for and undertake a 3 day, 2 night expedition
Cadets who do not have the Bronze Award must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering section, or the longer of the Skills or Physical section
Volunteering - Volunteering in the ACF appropriate to rank and experience Cadet & Community Expedition - A 3-Star expedition could count as a silver practice expedition. Silver qualifying is a 4-Star APC expedition Skill - Programmes which involve ACF activities Skill at Arms & Shooting, Marksmanship, Clay Pigeon, Shooting, Ceremonial Drill, Military Insignia, Music, Signalling, Map Making, First Aid, Casualty Simulation, Model Soldiers, War Games, Military History Physical - APC 2-star Physical Recreation – must last for period appropriate to DofE level

 

Gold Award (16 Yeas +)

 

Volunteering	Skills	Physical	Expeditions	Residential
12 Months	One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months		Plan, prepare for and undertake a 4 day, 3 night expedition in wild country	Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights
Cadets who do not have the Silver Award must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering section, or the longer of the Skills or Physical section
Volunteering - Volunteering in the ACF appropriate to rank and experience Cadet & Community Expedition - Post 4-Star activity Skill - Programmes which involve ACF activities Skill at Arms & Shooting, Marksmanship, Clay Pigeon, Shooting, Ceremonial Drill, Military Insignia, Music, Signalling, Map Making, First Aid, Casualty Simulation, Model Soldiers, War Games, Military History Residential - SCIC course Cadet Leadership Course & Master Cadets Course Attachments to Regular Army or TA MoD/District courses AT courses AIs course & KGVI courses Annual Camp – subject to certain conditions

 

The Award Leadership Programme (16 Years +)

 

Members of the Cadet Forces aged 16 and over can follow the modular training programme in DofE Leadership.

 

There are four separate modules - Introduction to the DofE, Group Work Skills, Managing a Group and Practical Leadership.

 

This programme can be used as the Volunteering option for your DofE programme, and can contribute to your BTEC Diploma.

 

 

 

The key principles are:

 

Non-competitive – a personal challenge, not a competition

Available to all – anyone can do it!

Voluntary – it’s up to you what you do – it’s your leisure time

Flexible – your programme is designed by you for you

Balanced - it will stretch you in all directions

Progressive – you improve at your own pace

Achievement focused – you can’t fail!

Marathon not a sprint – it takes more than a short burst of enthusiasm

Personal development – it’s the taking part that matters: getting an award is the icing on the cake

Enjoyable – it’s about getting out there and having fun!

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