The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Wirral Grammar School for Boys is thriving following the hard work and effort from Mr Metcalf. I have looked to ensure boys have the opportunity to develop their skills, friendships and enhance their CV.
Students participate in several trips, visits and challenges in order to receive their Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE awards.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will not only add to the CVs and University applications of those students involved, but also allows them to build on their team work skills, survival skills, and allows them to learn new skills they would otherwise have not experienced.
COMPONENT |
EXPLANATION |
| Volunteering | Students undertake service to individuals or the community |
| Physical | Students aim to improve in an area of sport, dance or fitness |
| Skills | Students develop practical and social skills and personal interests |
| Expedition | Students plan and train for the completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or overseas |
| Residential* | At Gold Level, students must do an additional fifth residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity |
* Only students doing the Gold Award need to do this residential component. This has to be done in addition to the expedition.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24. eDofE enables them to record their intended aims, track their progress and upload evidence of their achievements.
| DATE | AWARD | YEAR GROUP | NOTES |
| Y12-Y13 DofE Gold Final – leave at 8am return at 4pm (location TBC | |||
| Wed 22-24th October 2025 | DofE Silver (Practice) Dalesbridge. DofE Gold (Practice) Dalesbridge – all to leave at 7.45am and return 4.30pm | Y10/11 & Yr 12/13 | Students travel via coach to Dalesbridge, nr Settle- Meet 7.45am |
| Thursday 26th – Friday 27th March | DofE Y9 Bronze Expedition leave at 7.30am return at 4.30pm | Y9 | Students start at Pitch &
Canvas campsite, Near Beeston. Work with Vibe Outdoors – Meet at 7.45am |
| Tuesday 21st June to Friday 24th June | Y12-Y13 DofE Gold Practice – leave at 8am return at 4pm (locatiSnowdoniaTBC) | Y12-Y13 |
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups working towards Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are a strong and vibrant part of our school community. Please click here to read about how each award can be achieved. Typically, students in Year 9 are encouraged to participate in the Bronze Award, students in Year 10 & 11 participate in the Silver Award, and sixth form students participate in the Gold Award.
The DofE is run separately to the school curriculum, by a small team of dedicated staff. The DofE is currently managed by Mr Metcalf
The DofE Awards are inclusive and flexible, meaning that every student is eligible to take part regardless of academic or physical ability. The DofE can be adapted to suit every personality and physicality, so please speak to DofE staff if before enrolment if you have a concern or question.
However, to give students the best chance of completing the Award, we look for participants to have the following qualities:
When applying, students and parents will be asked to sign an agreement in regard to expectations whilst completing the DofE Award.
The Bronze Award can be completed by students in Year 9. Students must complete 4 sections: volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. The volunteering, skills and physical sections are self-led activities, completed for approximately 1hour each week outside of school time. Two of these are completed for 3 months, whilst one must be completed for 6 months. The expedition is led by Vibe Outdoors.
The Bronze DofE currently costs £190 per participant. This covers enrolment onto the Award, support and advice sessions, training and expedition expenses. Vibe provide the majority of equipment for expeditions, from Rucksacks, Tents and Gas for cooking along with the use of trangias. If cost of the Award is a concern, please speak to Mr Metcalf.
