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    • DofE

    GOLD AWARD

    The Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the highest level of the DofE programme and represents a significant personal achievement. It challenges students to show real commitment, leadership, and resilience while developing skills that last a lifetime.

    At John Kyrle High School, the Gold Award is open to students aged 16 and over, typically in Sixth Form or continuing their DofE journey beyond school. It is an incredible opportunity to build independence, confidence, and experience that stands out to universities and employers.

    What’s Involved

    To achieve the Gold Award, participants complete five sections — similar to Bronze and Silver, with the addition of a Residential experience:

    • Volunteering – dedicating time to help others and make a positive difference, either within school, the local community, or a chosen organisation.

    • Physical – committing to regular physical activity to improve fitness, health, or performance in a chosen sport or activity.

    • Skills – developing or mastering a skill such as cooking, leadership, art, music, or learning a language — anything that inspires personal growth.

    • Expedition – a four-day, three-night journey in wild country, where students work as a team to navigate, camp, and cook independently. It’s a true test of endurance, teamwork, and determination.

    • Residential – taking part in a shared activity or course with people you’ve never met before, such as a volunteering project, university taster, or outdoor adventure. This section encourages independence, social confidence, and adaptability.

    The Gold Award usually takes 12–18 months to complete, depending on whether the student has completed Silver beforehand.

    Why Take Part?

    Completing the Gold Award is a remarkable achievement. It allows students to:

    • Develop leadership, confidence, and independence

    • Build valuable experiences for university and future careers

    • Meet new people and take part in unforgettable experiences

    • Receive national recognition, including an invitation to a Gold Award presentation at a royal palace or garden

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