DofE at Bournside
What is Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)?
DofE is a transformative opportunity for students, giving them a chance to explore new talents and develop critical skills that they will benefit from throughout their lives. To accomplish all elements of the award, students need motivation, determination, self-reliance, teamwork, and resilience. For the vast majority of students, the final excursion is the most anticipated task.
The award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24, it offers three progressive levels: bronze, silver and gold. At Cheltenham Bournside School we are proud to be able to take students throughout the whole programme. Find out more about the award timescales here - Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Within the Bronze and Silver levels, students will complete four different sections in order to construct the final award. These components entail; helping the community through volunteering activities, developing new skills, becoming fitter and finally training for and completing the much anticipated final expedition.
DofE diaries
We asked our students to share their experiences of the Duke of Edinburgh Award from their point of view. Read our student DofE Diaries here.
For live updates follow Bournside_DofE on Twitter.
BRONZE AWARD
Registration:
Year 9 students are able to apply for the Bronze award until Friday 20th October 2023.
Application forms are available via student reception.
An information evening for parents will take place on 16th January 2024.
Timescales:
Expeditions 2024:
|
Event |
Date |
Location |
|
Training day |
Saturday 24th February 2024 | Bournside School |
|
Bronze Practice Expedition |
Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th April 2024 | Leckhampton |
|
Bronze Qualifying Expedition |
Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th June 2024 | Snowhill |
Costs:
Please be aware there are provisions in place for pupil premium students, please speak to Mr Musty for more information.
| Fee | How to pay | |
| Non-refundable registration fee | £33 | MyChildatSchool app |
|
Expedition costs (includes comprise fees, training and equipment such as tents and stoves) Instalment 1 £75 by 31st January 2024 |
£220 | MyChildatSchool app |
Silver Award
Registration:
Year 10 students are able to apply for the Bronze award until Friday 20th October 2023.
Application forms are available via student reception.
An information evening for parents will take place on 16th January 2024.
Timescales:
Expeditions 2024:
|
Event |
Date |
Location |
|
Training day |
Saturday 24th February 2024 | Bournside School |
|
Silver Practice Expedition |
Saturday 27th - Monday 29th April 2024 | New Forest |
|
Silver Assessed Expedition |
Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd June 2024 | Forest of Dean |
Costs:
Please be aware there are provisions in place for pupil premium students, please speak to Mr Musty for more information.
| Fee | How to pay | |
| Non-refundable enrolment fee | £33 | MyChildatSchool app |
| Expedition costs (includes campsite fees, training and equipment such as tents and stoves) | £330 | MyChildatSchool app |
GOLD AWARD
Registration:
Year 12 students are able to apply for the Gold award until Friday 20th October 2023.
Application forms are available via student reception.
An information evening for parents will take place on 16th January 2024.
Timescales:
Expeditions 2024:
|
Event |
Date |
Location |
|
Training day |
Saturday 24th February 2024 | Bournside School |
|
Gold Practice Expedition |
Friday 15th - Sunday 17th March 2024 | Black Mountains |
|
Gold Qualifying Expedition |
Monday 8th - Monday 15th July 2024 | Alps |
Costs:
Please be aware there are provisions in place for pupil premium students, please speak to Mr Musty for more information.
| Fee | How to pay | |
| Non-refundable enrolment fee | £33 | MyChildatSchool app |
| Non-refundable deposit for Alps trip | £100 | MyChildatSchool app |
| Expedition cost (includes campsite fees, training and equipment such as tents and stoves) | Around £1,400 Exact costs TBD |
MyChildatSchool app |
Why complete the DofE award?
There are many benefits of completing the DofE award. Taking part in the award has given many participants newfound confidence and the opportunity to challenge themselves. It can also provide a much-needed edge over others when it comes to job and university applications, as participants can give evidence of the communication, teamwork and leadership skills they have developed over the course of the Award.
The essence of DofE is about giving people independence, confidence and skills they wouldn’t normally have acquired, and to make people ready for the world. Having something like this speaks a lot more about what you are like as an individual and demonstrates a lot of the skills we are looking for as a business.
- John Roberts CEO, Founder of ao.com
Useful Information
Please find below a few links to information you may find useful.