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Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an internationally recognised youth achievement award for young people between the ages of 14 and 25.

Great Marlow School offers students the opportunity to participate in the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. The award takes students outside the comfort zone of the classroom and their social circle, broadens their horizons and gives them a positive approach to overcoming challenges and reaching goals.

Young people choose their own activities and set their own targets – so their level of achievement depends on their own enthusiasm, commitment and self-motivation. This boosts their independence, responsibility and ability to reflect on the impact of their actions. They learn to work well and respectfully with others; become more confident; and expand their aspirations. They learn teamwork, grow in confidence and gain a deeper understanding of other people’s views, perspectives and beliefs.

Participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at GMS enables our students to develop the skills and attitudes they need to become more rounded, confident adults – qualities that colleges, universities and employers are attracted to.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award promotes:

  • self-belief and self-confidence
  • a sense of identity
  • a sense of responsibility
  • being confident to embark on new initiatives
  • an awareness of individual strengths
  • discovering new talents and attitudes
  • the ability to plan and use time effectively
  • learning from and giving to others in the community
  • forming new friendships
  • problem solving, presentation and communication skills
  • leadership and team working skills

The point of contact is Mr S Goodright, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager: email is – sgooodright@gms.bucks.sch.uk

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Every year the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is launched at GMS for Year 9. The cohort is offered the opportunity to participate in this internationally renowned award. The DofE is a great chance for students to broaden their horizons, discover new interests and talents, have fun with friends and develop essential skills for their future.

Further information about the DofE Award can be found by visiting www.dofe.org

A registration letter is emailed to all Year 9 parents and carers. If you do not receive an email or have any queries about the award, please email Steve Goodright at: sgoodright@gms.bucks.sch.uk

Bronze Duke of Edinburghs' Award

Information and dates about the Bronze Expedition

Training weekend (including overnight camp) timetable

There will be two groups.
These will be in the first half of the summer term, generally after the Easter holidays.
Please go to GMS Google Calendar for exact dates.

Practice and qualifying expeditions timetable

The practice expedition will be held in May tbc.

The qualifying expeditions, of which there will be two groups will be held, generally in June.
Please go to GMS Google Calendar for exact dates.

Start your Bronze DofE journey

Choose your Bronze DofE activities

What will your son or daughter achieve from their DofE?

Bronze DofE presentation document and planner

Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Information and dates about the Silver Expedition

Silver Training & Practice Expedition timetable

This will be in the first half of the summer term, generally after the Easter holidays.
Please go to GMS Google Calendar for exact dates.

Silver Assessed Expedition timetable

The qualifying expedition will be held in the summer term, generally in July.
Please go to GMS Google Calendar for exact dates.

Start your Silver DofE journey

Choose your Silver DofE activities

What will your son or daughter achieve from their DofE?

Silver DofE presentation document

Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Information and dates about the Gold Expedition

Gold Training & Practice Expedition dates

  • Gold Training & Practice Expedition: To be confirmed
  • Gold Assessed Expedition: To be confirmed

Gold Assessed Expedition dates

The qualifying expedition will be held in the summer term, generally in July.
Please go to GMS Google Calendar for exact dates.

Start your DofE journey

Choose your activities

What will your son or daughter achieve from participating in the DofE scheme?

Additional Information

Click on the links to find out more information on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

DofE Programme Ideas

Ideas on how to develop your own programme

DofE Parent Presentation

Introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme

Parents Information Booklet

A guide for parents, guardians and carers

Deborah Meaden (Dragon's Den) values the DofE

Why Deborah Meaden values the DofE on your CV