What is the Duke of Edinburgh's Award?
Last updated: 07 October 2008 17:02 UKThe award was set up by HRH Duke of Edinburgh in 1956 to provide new challenges for young people aged between 14 and 25.
It is intended to help develop maturity and responsibility which will help young people through their lives, whatever their personal abilities or circumstances. Challenge is the essence of the concept.
The award scheme presents young people with a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities which encourage responsibility, self-reliance and personal discovery.
The award is a four-section programme with three levels:
- bronze, for those aged 14 and over
- silver, for those aged 15 and over
- gold, for those aged 16 and over
The sections involve:
- volunteering, helping people in the community
- skills, covering almost any hobby, skill or interest
- physical recreation, sport, dance and fitness
- expeditions, training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle
- residential project, a purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the participant - gold award only
To find out more about the award visit the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.
