The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a nationally recognised youth achievement award that helps transform young people’s lives by developing confidence, resilience, independence, and essential life skills. It encourages students to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and grow both personally and socially. These experiences support not only future education and employment but also long-term wellbeing and character development. At our school, we are proud to offer all three levels of the award, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with over 60 participants currently enrolled and actively working towards their goals.
DofE at Tor Bridge High is open to students from Year 9 and above, with enrolment taking place each summer following an introductory assembly that explains the commitment, expectations, and opportunities of the award. DofE has become an integral part of our Personal Development Week (PDW), allowing students in Years 7 and 9 to experience a range of DofE-style activities such as teamwork challenges, outdoor skills, and problem-solving tasks. This early exposure helps to build confidence and enthusiasm, with students in Years 7 and 8 able to begin submitting their intentions to join the award when they reach the appropriate stage. This structured pathway ensures students are well-prepared and fully informed before beginning their DofE journey.
Awards
Our programme includes high-quality in-house after-school training sessions that develop key expedition skills such as map reading, navigation, orientation, tent pitching, and camp cooking. These sessions ensure students are well-prepared and confident before taking part in their expeditions
We are also proud to work in partnership with Dynamic Adventure, an experienced and well-established outdoor education provider with a strong history of delivering safe, high-quality expeditions across the UK. Dynamic Adventure specialises in outdoor learning and has extensive expertise in supporting young people through both practice expeditions and qualifying expeditions. Their professional and highly trained staff ensure that all expeditions are well-organised, challenging, and rewarding, giving students the opportunity to experience dynamic adventures across the South West in a safe and supportive environment.