At Brentford School for Girls, we believe some of the most important things students learn happen beyond the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) gives our girls the opportunity to challenge themselves, discover new interests, develop independence and create memories that will last long after they leave BSfG.

DofE encourages students to step outside their comfort zone while developing confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence. Whether they are volunteering, learning a new skill, becoming more active or exploring the countryside with friends, every student can make the Award their own.

Our DofE aims to:

• Build confidence, independence and resilience

• Encourage students to try new things and discover new interests

• Develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills

• Strengthen students' connection with their community through volunteering

• Promote physical and mental wellbeing

• Celebrate individual achievement and personal progress

• Develop skills that will support students in school, further education, employment and life

• Create friendships, experiences and memories that students will treasure

Bronze Award – Year 9

For many students, Year 9 is where the adventure begins!

Students complete four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. They choose activities that interest them, meaning every DofE journey is different.

The expedition is a highlight for many students. Working in teams, they learn to navigate, plan routes, carry their equipment and camp outdoors. They have to support one another, solve problems and keep going when things get tough.

There will probably be some mud, tired legs and a few moments when they wonder why they signed up!

But there will also be laughter, new friendships, amazing views and an enormous sense of achievement.

Bronze DofE is about discovering that you can do more than you thought you could.

Silver Award – Year 10/12

Ready for the next challenge?

Silver builds on the skills and experiences developed at Bronze. Students take on longer expeditions and greater responsibility, developing their ability to plan, problem-solve, work as a team and remain positive when things don't go according to plan.

Students continue to complete their Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections, choosing activities that reflect their own interests and passions.

The Expedition

The expedition is one of the most memorable parts of DofE.

Students work together to navigate an unfamiliar route, carrying everything they need and camping overnight. Along the way, they develop practical outdoor skills while learning how to:

• Work effectively as a team

• Support others when things get difficult

• Solve problems and adapt when plans change

• Persevere when they are tired or challenged

• Take responsibility for themselves and others

By the end, students have achieved something together that they can be genuinely proud of.

More Than an Award

DofE develops skills for life. Students learn to communicate, collaborate, organise, persevere, take responsibility and adapt to challenges.

Most importantly, it gives our girls the opportunity to have experiences they might never otherwise have tried.

At BSfG, we want our students to leave school with not only excellent qualifications, but also the confidence and resilience to take on the world.

DofE is one way we help them do exactly that.

Interested?

If DofE sounds like something you'd like to get involved in, come and see Miss Hennessy, our DofE Leader, to find out more!