DofE at a Rickmansworth school
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
Over the last 4 months, Year 10 students at The Reach Free School (TRFS) have been actively working towards the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze Award. The DofE programme, run in schools across the UK, encourages young people to develop new skills, build confidence, and take on challenges beyond the classroom.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the DofE programme, founded in 1956 by the Late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
As a part of the Bronze award, students must fulfill four key sections: Volunteering, Physical Activity, Skills, and Expedition.
Volunteering consists of dedicating 3 months of service toward the community, whilst Physical Activity and Skills focus on the students' personal well-being through taking up new hobbies and adding fitness to their daily routine. The Expedition section of the course focuses on navigation and teamwork skills, with planning and completing a two-day journey as an independent group.
From helping the community to improving their fitness, participants are involved in a variety of activities, picking up new skillsets along the way.
Upon interviewing Year 10 DofE participants at The Reach Free School, Rickmansworth, many had nothing but positive words for the programme.
Stefania F, a student working towards DofE Bronze, says that DofE “is quite simple and interesting.”
Another student in her expedition group followed up by saying that “instructions are easy to follow and the school has made the course very well-sent and supportive.”
Unlike many secondary schools in the local area, the staff at The Reach Free School have taken the role of being DofE organisers and Expedition Leaders. This has resulted in the course being very accessible to the students at TRFS, as they benefit from the emotional support of familiar teachers. In addition, the cost of the course is significantly lower.
According to averages across the UK, participating in DofE Bronze typically costs between £200 and £300. At this secondary school, it costs £75.
Although this may make the course sound more idyllic, students and Expedition Leaders alike at TRFS have their share of bizarre experiences when taking expeditions.
Expedition Leader, Scarlet O’Brien, said that a student expedition group “crashed a wedding once,” and that there was another time that she had to “call an ambulance for a student” in the middle of the night.
However, these factors do not deter aspiring Year 10s from completing their DofE course. In fact, many seem motivated by the challenges they may encounter.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award gives students a newfound initiative and responsibility, which is evident in their positive attitude.
A Year 10 DofE participant, Lily J, says that the course has taught her to be "more organised and considerate" through "planning out journeys and volunteering in town."
Overall, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be a valuable experience for students at TRFS. From developing independence to building teamwork skills, participants gain more than just a qualification. As this year’s cohort progresses, it is clear that the DofE programme remains a rewarding and memorable journey for all involved.
