The Duke of Edinburgh Award at Buckswood School: A Transformational Opportunity
At Buckswood, we are committed to providing our students with experiences that build confidence, resilience, and leadership. One of the most exciting opportunities available to our GCSE and A-Level students is the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE)—an internationally recognized program that challenges young people to develop essential life skills, push their boundaries, and make a difference in their communities.
We are focusing on the DofE for Form 4 students, and we encourage parents to support their children in enrolling. If your child is interested, they can collect an enrolment form from Mr. Lawless.
Why Take Part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?
As a leading UK boarding school with a strong focus on personal development, we believe that the DofE Award provides students with experiences that go beyond the classroom. It is recognized by universities, employers, and organizations worldwide, making it a valuable addition to any GCSE, A-Level, or IB student’s academic journey.
✅ Personal Growth & Confidence
By setting challenges and achieving goals, students build resilience, independence, and self-belief—essential qualities for success in education and beyond.
✅ Skill Development
Students choose a skill to develop, from learning a musical instrument to digital design, public speaking, or first aid. These skills can benefit them in university applications and future careers.
✅ Physical Fitness & Well-being
The Physical section encourages a healthy and active lifestyle. As a school with sports in the UK, Buckswood offers a variety of activities, including football, rugby, tennis, and equestrian training.
✅ Community Service & Leadership
The Volunteering component allows students to engage with their local community, building empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills. This aligns with our ethos as an international school in England, where students are encouraged to make a global impact.
✅ Adventure & Exploration
The Expedition is one of the most exciting elements of the award, giving students the chance to experience the great outdoors, learn survival skills, and develop teamwork.
How Does the Award Work?
The DofE Award consists of four key sections:
- Volunteering – Giving back to the community
- Physical – Improving fitness and well-being
- Skills – Learning something new and valuable
- Expedition – A challenging outdoor adventure
At the Gold Level, students also complete a Residential Project, where they take part in an activity away from home, often working with new people from different backgrounds.
Flexibility & Commitment
As a British boarding school with a diverse international student body, Buckswood understands the importance of flexibility. The DofE Award is designed to fit around students’ academic studies, sports commitments, and extracurricular activities. Whether your child is focused on GCSEs, A-Levels, or the IB Diploma, they can work towards their award at their own pace.
Enrolment & Fees
There is a non-refundable enrolment fee for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which covers registration, administration, and resources to support students throughout the program.
Get Involved!
We believe the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a life-changing experience that builds character, resilience, and independence. If your child would like to participate, they should visit Mr. Lawless to collect an enrolment form. For more information, please contact mlawless@buckswood.co.uk.
Join us in inspiring our students to challenge themselves, discover their potential, and achieve something extraordinary!