Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

D of E
Our award scheme is designed to challenge student, encourage participation, develop initiative, and skills such as organisation and teamwork.

Coordinator: Mr C Quirk

Challenge yourself. Develop new skills. Make memories.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award is a voluntary program designed to help you challenge yourself, learn new skills, and build confidence. At St Mark’s, we offer the Bronze level, which has become incredibly popular with students. Due to the popularity we are excited to now offer the Silver level for the second year.

Participants learn to work together, solve problems, and take the initiative through a four-section program. Most of the expedition training takes place after school during the spring term.

Ready to take on the challenge? Visit the official Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website to learn more about what’s involved.

The Awards We offer

Bronze: The entry level, which takes a minimum of 6 months to complete.
Silver: The intermediate level, which takes a minimum of 6 months (if you’ve completed Bronze) or 12 months (if you’re a direct entrant).

The Sections

At each level, participants must complete activities in four main sections.

Volunteering: This section involves giving service to individuals or the community. Activities can range from helping at a local charity shop to coaching a youth sports team.
Physical: This section focuses on improving health and fitness through a chosen sport, dance, or fitness activity. You can choose a team sport, a solo sport, or an individual fitness plan.
Skills: This section is about developing a practical skill or nurturing a personal interest. Examples include learning to play a musical instrument, coding, or perfecting a new cooking technique.
Expedition: This section is an adventurous journey where participants plan, train for, and complete a challenging trek, either on foot, by bike, or by canoe/kayak.

A comprehensive equipment list for a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition is crucial for a safe and successful trip. It’s often divided into personal kit (what each person needs to carry) and group kit (items shared among the team). The exact list can vary depending on the level of the award (Bronze, or Silver,), the time of year, and the terrain.

Here’s a general breakdown of essential equipment, but you should always check with your DofE Leader for the specific list for your expedition.

Personal Kit

This is everything you are responsible for carrying yourself.

Clothing:

Walking boots: This is the most important item. They must be waterproof, have good ankle support, and be well “broken in” before the expedition to avoid blisters.
Walking socks: At least one pair per day, plus spares. Merino wool or synthetic walking socks are best, as they wick away moisture and prevent blisters. Avoid cotton socks.
Waterproof jacket and trousers: A good quality, breathable waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof trousers with taped seams are essential.
Walking trousers: Lightweight, quick-drying synthetic trousers are recommended. Do not wear jeans or heavy cotton trousers, as they are heavy when wet and dry very slowly.
Base layers/T-shirts: Made of wicking material (synthetic or Merino wool) to draw sweat away from your body.
Mid-layers/Fleeces: At least one or two warm, lightweight fleeces. Layers are better than one bulky item.
Underwear: Enough for the duration of the expedition.
Hat and gloves: A warm hat and waterproof gloves are essential, even in summer. A sun hat is also a good idea.
Spare clothes: A full, dry set of clothes for the campsite and sleeping in.
Alternative footwear: Lightweight shoes or sandals for wearing at the campsite to let your feet breathe.

Sleeping & Shelter:

Sleeping bag: A three-season mummy bag is generally recommended for UK expeditions, as it’s warm, lightweight, and packs down small.
Sleeping mat: An insulated mat is vital to prevent heat loss to the ground and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

Personal Items:

Rucksack: A rucksack of about 60-75 litres is usually sufficient to carry all your personal and group kit. It should be well-fitting and have adjustable straps.
Rucksack liner/dry bags: To keep all your kit, especially your sleeping bag and spare clothes, completely dry inside your rucksack. Heavy-duty rubble sacks or purpose-made dry bags work well.
Personal First Aid Kit: Including blister plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medication.
Head torch: A head torch with spare batteries is highly recommended for hands-free use in the dark.
Water bottle: A water bottle or hydration pack with a minimum capacity of 2 litres.
Eating kit: A mug, plate or bowl, and cutlery (a “spork” is a popular, lightweight option).
Wash kit: A small, lightweight bag with travel-sized toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a quick-drying towel.
Emergency rations: High-energy snacks that are only to be eaten in an emergency.
Food: Enough food for all meals and snacks for the entire expedition. This should be lightweight and calorie-dense.

Group Kit

This equipment is shared among the team members to reduce weight.

Tent: A lightweight tent suitable for the group size.
Cooking stove: A lightweight camping stove, such as a Trangia, with an appropriate fuel source.
Fuel: Enough fuel for all the planned cooking.
Maps and compasses: The group will be provided with maps and at least one compass for navigation.
First Aid Kit: A more comprehensive group first aid kit.
Washing-up kit: A small bottle of washing-up liquid and a scourer/sponge.
Matches/lighter: Kept in a waterproof container.
Survival bag: An emergency shelter for the group.

Important Notes

Layering is key: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one thick layer. This allows you to regulate your body temperature more effectively.
Avoid cotton: Cotton soaks up moisture and takes a very long time to dry, which can lead to chafing and a drop in body temperature.
Keep it light: Every gram counts. Avoid unnecessary items like large towels or heavy books.
Check with your leader: Your DofE leader will have a specific, detailed kit list for your expedition and can provide advice on what to bring and what can be borrowed.

A parent/carer’s guide to DofE

Please see the link to the DofE web page with information for parents/carers.