For over 60 years now the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme has been available to young people aged 14-25. Its mission since its inception has been to encourage personal discovery, self-reliance and responsibility in an environment of social interaction and teamwork. At The Richmond upon Thames School we are in our third year of operating the Bronze Award. The DofE's Award is a challenging programme of activities which will help students learn new skills, help others within the community and experience adventure; giving students a great sense of achievement.

More information is available in the parent's information booklet here.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze Award consists of the Expedition section, culminating in a two day assessed expedition. Meanwhile, participants should be undertaking three months of at least one hour per week for each of their skill, physical and volunteering sections. An additional three months is undertaken in one of these three to make a total of six months. Most participants aim to complete their award within 12 months. In order to successfully complete the DofE award, participants must do a suitable activity for each of the sections. Please see the link to help with any further ideas and inspiration.

Below are some opportunities specifically within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames:

Kingsnympton Youth Centre:

Dickerage Youth Centre:

Contact the following email for further information: Stephen.austwick@achievingforchildren.org.uk

Expedition dates for 2023/2024 will be added in due course.

There is a full DofE kit list available here. 

Please note that some equipment, eg. tents, bags and stoves, is provided by RTS. Therefore, students only need to provide their own clothing, footwear (particularly good walking boots), accessories (such as head torch); and food.  However, if students wish to (and if they already own them) they may bring their own tent, bag and stove on expeditions. 

If students need any advice on equipment or experience any difficulties in purchasing equipment, they should speak to the DofE Leads (details in the last section).

Please click on the link to access eDofE.

This is an interactive online system that helps the participants manage their DofE programme and for the DofE coordinator to monitor their progress. If this is not completed properly, they will not complete their Bronze DofE award as it will not be signed off.

For further support and information please contact the DofE coordinator, Mr Barratt or the DofE Leader, Mr Parfitt, via the School Office: info@rts.richmond.sch.uk, with DofE in the subject heading.