The Volunteering Section is simple. It’s about choosing to give time to help people, the community or society, the environment or animals. Volunteering for a Duke of Edinburgh's Award must not be done for a business, but can be undertaken for a charity or not-for-profit organisation.

For your Physical Section you need to choose any sport, dance or fitness activity – in short, anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity. A local sports team or a P.E extracurricular activity after school are just a few examples.

For your Skills Section you need to choose an activity that will allow you to broaden your understanding and increase your expertise in your chosen skill. This may entail learning to play a musical instrument or how to cook a number of traditional meals from scratch.

At Gold Level participants are required to undertake an additional Residential Section. This involves spending five days and four nights taking part in a shared, worthwhile activity with people you’ve never met before. Examples include the National Citizen Service (NCS) or supporting a Scout residential camp.

Click here for a guide on choosing a Residential activity.           

Click here for specific guidance on completing an Assessors Report for the Residential Section.

The Expedition section entails participants planning, training for and completing an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim.

Participants undertake at least one practice expedition before a qualifying assessment expedition.

How long does my expedition need to be?

 A participant must meet the 20 Conditions of the Expedition Section in order to pass successfully.

Condition 14 requires a participant to have the necessary physical fitness, first aid and expedition skills required to complete their expedition safely. First aid and expedition skills are undertaken as part of the Expedition Training at school.

Refresh your first aid and navigation skills. Don't forget to revise your OS Map symbols also!

Condition 17 requires a participant to understand and adhere to the Countryside Code.

The Expedition Section is managed by Haydon School in partnership with BXM Expeditions - an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

To ensure you have the essential kit for the Expedition Section of your Award please see the online Expedition Kit Checklist and Expedition Kit Slide. ​​

A participant can access eDofE online here. For support in using eDofE, including uploading Activity details and photo evidence, please see the eDofE User Guide for Participants or the videos below.

Download the DofE app to start, manage and complete your programme. This is a convenient way to update eDofE as well as upload evidence and Assessors Reports!

If you have forgotten your eDofE username or password (or both) contact Mr Harding.

Upon completion of the Volunteering, Physical, Skills or Residential section an Assessors Report is required to be completed and uploaded onto eDofE. 

For guidance on how to complete an Assessors Report see the Assessors Report Guide.

If completing an Assessors Report online please ensure your ID number is issued to your Assessor. Your ID number is located on the top left of your eDofE homepage once logged in.

Download a summary of what to include in your report, and some example reports here.