Home>Doing the Award>Award Intro

Award Intro

What is the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award? The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is also known as DofE, The Head of State Award, The President's Award Scheme, The International Award for Young People, and the Governor General's Youth Award. The Award is available to all 13-24 year olds and equips young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests. Doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their personal limits and recognises their achievements. Since its launch over 60 years ago, the Award has inspired millions of young people to transform their lives. Through non formal education and learning, the Award can play a critical role in a young person's personal development and is achievable by any 13-24 year old who wants to take up the challenge.

The Award framework The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections. Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project.

  • Voluntary Service: Participants volunteer in their communities, make a positive contribution to society and demonstrate social responsibility.
  • Physical Recreation: Encourage young people to improve their fitness and performance, and enjoy healthy lifestyles for good mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Skills: Enable participants to develop their talents, broaden their abilities, increase their self-confidence and improve their employability.
  • Adventurous Journey: Young people discover a spirit of adventure and gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the great outdoors.
  • Voluntary Service: Participants volunteer in their communities, make a positive contribution to society and demonstrate social responsibility.
  • Physical Recreation: Encourage young people to improve their fitness and performance, and enjoy healthy lifestyles for good mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Skills: Enable participants to develop their talents, broaden their abilities, increase their self-confidence and improve their employability.
  • Adventurous Journey: Young people discover a spirit of adventure and gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the great outdoors.