The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Welcome to the D of E at Chaigeley School

At Chaigeley D of E is open to any Year 10 and 11 Student. Participants build their own programme, choosing activities and a cause to volunteer for. The DofE is structured into two levels of Award which increase in challenge and duration: Bronze and Silver. The main differences between the Award levels are the minimum length of time it takes to complete the programme and how challenging it is.

There are four main sections of a DofE programme:

Volunteering
Physical
Skills
Expedition

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Chaigeley School Life By Mike Moss Photography 71

Volunteering

Volunteering is about giving time to do something meaningful, motivated by making a difference rather than making money.

Participants should look for impactful opportunities around them – this can be in school or out of school.

We’ve currently got volunteers maintaining our fleet of motor vehicles and push bikes used in our Mechanics Department and in D of E. We’ve also got students volunteering as sports coaches learning how to deliver sessions to other students in school and Physical Education Technicians who help to build and maintain our extensive range of sports equipment.

We’ve also got a one-man-army clean-up crew who helps to maintain the cleanliness of our school site.

How will you support others?

Physical

For your physical activity you need to choose any sport, dance or fitness activity – in short, anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity.

For example, playing a sport regularly and showing personal improvement would count.

This list for your choice of physical activity is almost endless!

We’ve got currently got students Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boxing, going to MMA sessions, kayaking to name but a few.

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How far will you push yourself?

Skill

For your skills activity you need to choose an activity that will allow you to prove you have broadened your understanding and increased your expertise in your chosen skill.

Chaigeley D of E participants are currently starting or increasing their skill levels at Fishing, Golf, Football Refereeing – again this list could almost be endless.

What do you want to get good at?

Expedition

For your Expedition section, you will need to plan, train for and complete largely unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim.

You must do the correct training for your level and mode of travel, at least one practice expedition, a qualifying expedition (the one that is assessed) and a final presentation in order to complete the section.

Your expedition must be completed by your own physical efforts (but you have loads of choices, not just on foot!) with minimal external intervention and without motorised assistance.

How will you complete your journey?

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Youthwithoutlimits

Welcome to Youth Without Limits.

It hasn’t been the easiest few years for young people. From the ongoing aftermath of the pandemic to the anxieties of the cost-of-living crisis, the future doesn’t always feel certain.

But here at Chaigeley School we’ve learnt at least one thing with our DofE programme: never doubt what young people can do. Time and time again, we’ve seen that when young people are given the chance to prove to themselves what they’re capable of, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

We’re here to celebrate and champion every young person. To provide a safe environment of support and challenge that grows as they do.

Whatever your ability, interest or background, DofE offers young people the chance to strive for achievement, overcome obstacles, and set their minds to a personal challenge. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back. The Founder HRH Prince Philip once said: “There is more in you than you might think.” And, here at Chaigeley School, we help you realise that.