Latest From the
Expedition Blogs:
Team rests in Iquitos
Training is Underway
Sunshine on Svalbard
Arctic mountaineering begins
Satellite call from the icecap
Rein and Hvalross - the final few days
Over the top – a tale of epic mountaineering and extreme pulking by Fraser Simpson
YE Diaries
Sights and Stupas
Duke of Edinburgh & Awards
BSES is in a unique position to be able to offer you the opportunity to achieve your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition, and Residential sections. This is a purely optional addition to your BSES Expedition; however by undertaking a BSES expedition you will have fulfilled the requirements of the DofE as long as you make a full and equal contribution to your expedition.
The DofE Award is the leading achievement award for young people and is recognised by employers around the world. Anyone aged 14 to 25 can achieve their award no matter what their background or abilities as the programme is personal to you. Most importantly it’s lots of fun. A Gold DofE Award is widely recognised as equivalent to an A-Level and in a recent survey by The United Learning Trust of major UK employers (representing 12% of all UK employers) the Gold Award was rated the most important activity undertaken by young people in education. By completing a BSES expedition you are likely to be 60% of the way towards achieving this prestigious award.
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Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community. |
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Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities. |
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Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests. |
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Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad. |
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Residential: Staying and working away from home doing a shared activity. |
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You can find out more about all of these sections on the DofE website - http://www.dofe.org/
Duke of Edinburgh FAQs
Q. Can I take part in the scheme if I have not already completed the Bronze or Silver award?
A. Yes. You can start at any of the three levels.
Q. If I complete the expedition, and then decide to pursue my Gold DofE, can I still log the expedition, residential, and physical stages that I have already completed?
A. Yes. As you have undertaken these activities with BSES all your work can be recognised up to six months later if you then buy your DofE record book (est. £16).
Q. Do I just have to turn up and do the bare minimum to complete my Gold DofE?
A. No. Each DofE programme is personal to the individual undertaking it so it must be a challenge to you. Some people may achieve a higher level of skills than others, but as long as it is a challenge to you then you can achieve the section. You get out as much as you put in and BSES wants you to get the most of this experience.
Q. I am already doing my Gold DofE, will this count towards it?
A. Yes. If you are already doing your Gold Award then you can use your BSES expedition to achieve the Expedition and Residential sections.
Q. How much will this cost?
A. To achieve your DofE Award you need to buy a ‘Record Book’ for about £16 and become registered with an ‘Operating Authority’. There are over 600 organisations licensed by the DofE who are known as ‘Operating Authorities’. Most county councils, schools, youth centres and youth organisations are licensed and you can complete your DofE through any which are local to you. Follow this link to find organisations local to you: http://www.dofe.org/takepart or contact your regional DofE office and they will tell you who offers the DofE locally for you.
Q. Do I need to complete a practice expedition in the UK first?
A. No. BSES delivers training in the UK and a full practice expedition in the destination country as well as the qualifying expedition.
Q. Who is the BSES DofE Manager?
A. Jamie. You can email Jamie@bses.org.uk or call him on 020 7591 3141
