Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award.  The Royal Air Force Air Cadets has been involved in the Award since the beginning and is one of the most successful operating authorities. 

 

The award has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Cadets can start the Bronze Award at any time in the school year during which they will have their 14th birthday. They can start the Silver Award at any time in the school year during which they have their 15th birthday. They can start the Gold Award at any time after their 16th birthday.  

 

Younger cadets can complete a pre-DofE Blue badge award as an introduction to the award. Cadets achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if they’re going for Gold). They’ll find themselves helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills, going on an expedition and, at Gold only, taking part in the residential activity. 

 

Volunteering: Is to the benefit of others by undertaking service to individuals or the community.

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Physical: To take part and improve in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.

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Skills: To develop practical and social skills and personal interests.

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Expedition: Planning, training for and completing a self-sufficient unaccompanied adventurous journey. 

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At the Gold level participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity with people they do not know.