The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has a long and proud history at Kingsley. First launched nationally in 1956, the Award was introduced at Kingsley just four years later, in 1960. Our students were among the first in the country to take part at all three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and over the decades, the school has remained committed to the values and opportunities the programme offers.
Today, DofE continues to thrive at Kingsley, forming a vital part of our broader mission to support confident, compassionate and well-rounded young people. It offers a framework for personal growth, through challenge, service and self-discovery, and the impact on our students is transformative. Since the start of this academic year, 20 Year 10 students have enrolled for their Bronze Award, beginning a journey that challenges them to develop across four key areas: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and the Expedition. From the outset, they have approached every section with enthusiasm and determination.
What makes DofE so valuable is its flexibility. Each student is encouraged to choose activities that reflect their individual interests and goals. This year, Pippa and Lily have made a real difference by volunteering in Prep, supporting younger pupils with their learning and development. Emily has shown fantastic commitment to her local community through her work with the Playbox Theatre group, and Yagmur has given her time to a local charity shop, helping with everything from organising donations to serving customers. These diverse contributions reflect the wider impact of the Award: developing responsible citizens who take pride in helping others. Through the Volunteering section, our students learn the value of community and discover how rewarding it is to give back.
The school provides strong support to ensure that the DofE experience is inclusive and rewarding. Our staff guide students throughout the process, helping them set achievable goals that build confidence. Practical training sessions – including map reading, campcraft, first aid and navigation – prepare participants for the expedition, while regular check-ins encourage perseverance and celebrate progress.
The expedition is often the most anticipated and memorable part of the DofE journey. Our Bronze Award students completed their practice expedition in Oakham at the end of May – a real test of their planning, teamwork and resilience, which they took on with great enthusiasm! These experiences go far beyond the physical challenge, teaching students how to problem-solve under pressure, communicate effectively and work together towards a common goal. Whether trekking across Dartmoor, navigating the Cotswolds or exploring the countryside closer to home, Kingsley students consistently return from their expeditions changed – more self-assured, more connected with their peers, and more aware of their strengths.
As they progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, many students find new passions and develop leadership skills that stay with them for life. DofE participants regularly highlight how their experiences helped them with university interviews, job applications and personal growth. The Award’s emphasis on commitment, responsibility and initiative is widely recognised and respected by employers and institutions alike. DofE also aligns with Kingsley’s wider values; we aim to develop kind, confident and capable individuals, and the Award helps us achieve that by encouraging independence, empathy and service.
More than six decades after it was first introduced at Kingsley, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to inspire and challenge our students. It enables them to discover who they are, what they’re capable of and how they can meaningfully contribute to society. Their achievements are a testament not only to their dedication and resilience, but also to the strength of the programme and the supportive spirit of the Kingsley community that guides and celebrates them at every stage.
