DofE

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, with over 438,000 young people currently doing their DofE in the UK.

DofE is a popular choice at Ditcham Park with the majority of pupils in Forms 3, 4, and 5 taking part and completing Bronze and Silver, and moving on to complete Gold.

Our DofE leader is Mark Philips, our Outdoor Adventure Coordinator.

Mark was previously Head of Seniors and retired in the summer term 2022. We are delighted he has returned to this new part-time post to share his passion for the outdoors with our pupils. Mark is in school on Thursdays and contactable via mark.philips@ditchampark.com

There are four sections at Bronze and Silver level: Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Expedition. The award is designed around the pupils with an endless list of activities and opportunities that can count towards their sections.

A student’s DofE journey can begin in Form 3 at Ditcham, with support offered to build a programme that suits them before planning and completing a hiking expedition in the local area which include the South Downs, Isle of Purbeck and further afield, the New Forest, Exmoor, River Wye, and Brecon Beacons.

The Silver award can be undertaken in Form 4 or 5. At this level students have the choice of either hiking or canoeing expeditions which are delivered by a dedicated team of highly experienced freelance hiking and canoe instructors.

Further information about DofE, in general, can be found at www.dofe.org.