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The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a high quality, enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development activities for anyone aged 14-25.
The Aim of the Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to provide for young people an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development, which is of the highest quality and the widest reach.
Key Principles
It is essential for everyone involved in the Award, whether as a participant or leader, to share a common understanding of the principles which underpin all aspects of the Scheme’s delivery. These key principles are:
Non-competitive
The Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others. Each participant’s programme is tailor-made to reflect their individual starting point, abilities and interests.
Available to All
With a commitment to equal opportunities, the Award Programme is available to all young people who choose to take up its challenge.
Voluntary
Young people make a free choice to enter the programme and commit their own time to undertake the activities.
Flexible
Young people design their own programme, which can be geared to their own choice and personal circumstances and also to local provision. They may enter for whichever level of Award best suits them and may take as long as they wish to complete an Award.
Balanced
By choosing activities in each of four different Sections (five at Gold), participants undertake a balanced and wide ranging programme.
Progressive
At each level, the Award Programme demands more time and an increasing degree of commitment, and responsibility from the participant.
Achievement focused
Before starting an activity, young people are encouraged to set their own goals. If they aim for those goals and show improvement, they will achieve their Award.
Marathon, not a sprint
The Award demands persistence and commitment and cannot be completed in a short burst of enthusiasm. Participants may want to continue with activities beyond the minimum time requirements set out for each level of the Award.
Personal development
The Award is a programme of personal and social development. The value to young people is dependent on personal commitment, the learning process and the quality of the experience.
Enjoyable
Young people and helpers should find participation enjoyable and satisfying.
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