Duke of Edinburgh's Award 2011

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
2011
Information for Bronze Level
Participants and their parents.

Items to be covered...
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
• The four sections at Bronze level.
• The expedition.
• Expedition equipment lists and how to
find the items.
• Questions

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
• For young people aged 14 – 24.
• The programme can be completed at
three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold.
• The programme promotes independence,
confidence and gives young people the
opportunity to develop new skills.
• It is highly regarded by universities,
colleges and employers.

The four sections at Bronze
• Volunteering.
• Skills.
• Physical Activity.
Level.
• Expedition.
• Students have already been placed into
groups and should have had activities
approved by staff members.

Information for students on
Moodle.
Student Room – DofE.
• Group details
• Meeting and training schedules
• Information relating to sections
• Kit lists

Volunteering, Skills and Physical
Activity.
• Students are expected to organise this for
themselves.
• Find an assessor (not family).
• Create and work towards targets.
• At least one hour a week for set time (e.g. 3
months).

eDofE.
• Students have been given registration
packs.
• Students must log on and enter details
of their activities for these to be
approved.
• Evidence must also be uploaded.
• Two sections MUST have been
completed by July.

The Expedition.
• One practice expedition
• Two days of hiking and one night
camping.
• Training to be completed at school.
• One assessed expedition. Approved
Duke of Edinburgh assessors will be
present.
• Presentations.

After School Training.
• To be held after school.
• Will last for one hour.
• Will cover:
• Navigation
• Campcraft
• Food and cooking
• First Aid.

Rules of Duke of Edinburgh
Expeditions.
• No motorised help!
• Independent and self sufficient.
• You must be properly equipped and be under
the supervision of a responsible adult.
• 4 – 7 people per group. Groups can be mixed
but tents MUST be single sex.

The Practice Expedition.
• Saturday 7 th and Sunday 8 th May 2011.
• Pick up, drop off and overnight camping
at the Stokenchurch Centre.
• Letters and information will be sent
nearer the time.

The Practice Expedition
• Day One - hiking under direct
supervision of staff.
• Practising navigation skills.
• Overnight camping.
• Day Two – Teams will practise navigation
skills under remote supervision.

Direct and remote supervision
• Each team must plan and submit their
route to Miss Jeffrey.
• Areas which may be dangerous are
highlighted. Route will be changed or
direct supervision is required.
• Remote supervision will be employed for
the majority of expeditions.

Expeditions.
• At least six hours of planned activity.
• All equipment must be carried by
students.
• At least 3 hours of hiking, possibility of
small projects.
• Must meet staff at the checkpoints.

Mobile phones and GPS.
• Students should be able to navigate
using compasses and maps to remain
independent.
• For the same reason, mobile phones are
BANNED for most students.
• Two fully charged phones per team in a
SEALED ENVELOPE.

The assessed expedition.
• Saturday 9 th and Sunday 10 th July 2011.
• Camping at Longridge (Marlow).
• Only to be undertaken if students have
performed well during the practice
expedition.

The school will provide...
• Maps
• Compasses

Parents should supply...
• Items on the kit list.
• Transportation to and from pick up
points (car sharing is advised).

Kit List.
• Many items can be found at home.
• Some specialist equipment can be hired
from Bucks County Council through the
school.
• Many items can be bought cheaply if you
hunt around.

Clothing.
• Walking boots – MUST have ankle
support.
• NO trainers.
• Wellies or flip flops may be worn at the
campsite.

Waterproofs.
• Berghaus Goretex £200+
• Millets or Blacks kag in a bag £10 - £15
• BCC rented waterproofs £1 per week
• Jacket and trousers needed.

Appropriate clothing.
• Nylon is better than cotton.
• Fleeces and hoodies are ideal for
keeping warm.
• Wear lots of thin layers which can be
easily removed.
• Strappy tops are a very bad idea.
• Wear two pairs of socks.
• Make the most of what you have before
buying specialist equipment.

Rucksacks.
• 60 – 65 litres.
• Should not carry more than ¼ of own
body weight (eg 8 stone student = no
more than 2 stones once packed).
• Share equipment.
• Ensure the rucksack is the correct back
size.

Ways to minimise weight and fit
it all in.
• Don’t take too many toiletries.
• Don’t take a full tube of toothpaste/roll
of toilet paper etc.
• Bring plastic plate and cutlery.
• No canned or “wet” food.
• Bring a small towel.

Food.
• 1000 – 1500 extra calories per day.
• Constant snacking is required.
• Students must prepare a hot meal for
dinner and carry their own food.
• Students should cook in small groups.

Water.
• Students MUST carry 2 litres of water.
• Orange squash should be carried by at
least one member of the group.
• Plastic water bottles are fine.

Suitable food.
• No meat or foods which can easily go
off.
• Tins are heavy to carry. “Dry” foods are
best.
• Pasta and rice are ideal for dinner.
• Students will need to plan their own
meals.

Cooking your food.
• Trangias can be rented from BCC.
• Staff will hand over fuel at dinner time.

Other types of stove.
• Fuel source MUST be resealable.

In emergencies...
• Survival bag for each student.
• Mobile phone.
• Training will be given.

Medical conditions.
• Students will not be banned from
expeditions because they have a medical
condition.
• However, staff and students within the
team MUST know about it in case there is
an emergency.
• Spare medication will be carried by
members of the team and students will be
trained how to use it during first aid
sessions.

Questions.