What is the DofE award?

The DofE award is a great experience for pupils and young people.

It is an award for 14-24-year-olds, which has three progressive levels Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Each level has four sections – Volunteering, Skills, Physical, and an Expedition.

Why do the DofE award?

It is an opportunity for the pupils to discover new interests and improve their skills and talents whilst having fun with current friends and a chance to form new friendships.

The award helps improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication, and drive. It enhances CVs and is a recognised mark of achievement also respected by employers.

DofE and how it works at Ysgol Hendrefelin

The DofE award is offered to all pupils in KS4, we hope all the pupils achieve Bronze level and that a few go on to achieve the Silver level of the award. The Gold level is not offered at Ysgol Hendrefelin, however it is offered to pupils at college if they wish to carry on with the award which some former pupils have gone on to achieve. The pupils get the chance to experience the award on Fridays, as part of a group on a rotation basis.

Unlike mainstream schools where the pupils are expected to commit to learning new skills and volunteering in their own time, most of the award is completed through activities in school time.

For Volunteering, the pupils take part in litter picks around the local area and beaches, whilst also helping at 'Down to Earth' by maintaining paths, clearing vegetation, and splitting logs. Pupils also have an opportunity to take Volunteering as a vocational subject in Years 10 and 11.

The Skills section is completed in lessons such as Woodwork, Cookery, Photography and First Aid. Some of the pupils in the past have also dedicated some of their own time to learning how to play musical instruments and some have also learned how to knit.

The physical section is completed by taking part in PE lessons and representing the school in a variety of sports such as football, netball, and gymnastics, they also walk with their groups on Fridays enjoying discovering new places around the Gower and Brecon Beacons. Pupils who take part in sports outside of school can also use this as evidence towards their award.

The Expedition is carried out in either Brecon or the Gower. Bronze award level involves two days walking and one night camping and tends to take place in Brecon. Silver award level involves three days walking and two nights camping and tends to take place in the Gower.     

The pupils are often reminded that achieving an award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges, and pushing personal boundaries.

The DofE award provides an excellent opportunity to discover new interests, gain confidence, build new relationships, take ownership, work as a team, and improve leadership qualities, and so much more.

Most importantly the DofE award at Ysgol Hendrefelin is FUN and the pupils create lifelong memories and will have an experience they will never forget, which will have an impact on the rest of their lives!

Should you wish to discuss the award with a member of staff, we are always happy to help. You can contact Mr Draper, who leads the award, by following the link below.