A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

Students at Co-op Academy Belle Vue that enrol on the Duke of Edinburgh’s award will receive support and training through the Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award elective.

The Bronze expedition involves a two day, one night camping trip to a registered scout camp in the Chorley area of Lancashire with a minimum of six hours activity per day. This will involve planning, navigating, walking, preparing camp and cooking food. The cost of the expedition is heavily subsidised. Tents, rucksacks and cooking equipment are all provided and support is available for other required kit. To be eligible to attend the expeditions students must have full engagement with all areas of the programme up to that point. 

Any student at Co-op Academy Belle Vue can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. 

In our first year of running the award we secured over £4000 of funding for academy kit and student registration fees. Personal finance should not be a barrier for any student looking to complete the award. Support is available and should be requested through Mr Haste. 

Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, 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, enhancing CVs and university and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.

Any questions regarding the Duke of Edinburgh’s award should be directed to Mr Haste and Mrs Allsopp-Medley by emailing the main academy inbox at bellevue@coopacademies.co.uk.

Letter home 1 - Permission slip letter.