The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a challenging programme of activities designed for young people aged between 14 – 25. It is designed to be enjoyable and rewarding while also promoting personal development, self-reliance and leadership skills. It consists of a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities, which encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to the community. In order to gain an award a pupil must show improvement through persistence and achievement.

The Award operates at three levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold); the higher the level, the more time and effort is required. Completion of the Award is voluntary, as students commit some of their own time to undertake activities which they have selected. 

At Bartholomew School, students are offered the chance to participate in the Bronze level during Year 9, and many go on to complete their Silver during Year 10 then Gold in the Sixth Form. Participants who complete the Gold Award are invited to a ceremony at St James’ Palace, London, where their certificate is presented to them by a member of the Royal Family.

Each level of the award has four sections to complete, Volunteering, Skill, Physical and Expedition. There is an additional section for Gold participants to complete, which is a five day residential. 

Expeditions are undertaken under the supervision of appropriately qualified professionals, to a variety of areas including the Oxfordshire Ridgeway, the Cotswolds, Wye Valley, Mendip hills, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia.

Students who are interested in taking part should attend the introductory assemblies/meetings.  

You will need to fill in the Enrolment form and Medical Form which can be found at the bottom of this page.

Please click for some ideas to help you complete each section. We offer an extensive range of extra-curricular activities at Bartholomew which can help you to fulfil each section, here is the link to our list of clubs. Activities you do outside of school could also count towards the different sections. Choose activities that motivate you and go on your own personal journey.  We expect all participants to abide by the DofE 20 Conditions during their expedition section.