DofE
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has been a central part of life at South for over 20 years.
We are the largest DofE Centre in the UK, with over 500 students and 75 staff involved every year. Students complete their Awards almost entirely outside curriculum time, and staff give their time voluntarily. Alongside unique events like the Eisteddfod, the DofE scheme sets South apart from all other schools because of the scale and comprehensiveness of the scheme. Students from all backgrounds benefit from their involvement in the Award scheme. They are supported by a staff team that includes teaching assistants, support staff, teachers and most of the senior staff.
Parents Launch Information Video
The video below replaces the Parents Information Evening which usually takes place in the autumn term. All parents at Bronze, Silver and Gold are strongly advised to watch it. It contains essential advice for parents which will enable them to support their sons and daughters to be successful, for example:
- How to choose activities for each section that will meet the criteria and not be queried or rejected at enrolment or (even worse...) rejected at the verification stage after the activity has finished and the assessor report has been uploaded.
- How the requirements for Volunteering, Physical and Skill have been temporarily amended in 2020-2021 as a result of Coronavirus.
- Our approach to Expeditions in 2021 and our money-back guarantee. Note that enrolment/admin fees payable in the autumn term are not refundable.
- The importance of parents/carers regularly checking the progress of their son/daughter on eDofE and helping them to arrange for the assessors to upload their reports.
The video is 36 minutes long, which is about as long as you would have spent listening to Mr Dixon talking from the stage, but at least this year you can enjoy a cup of tea and some biscuits, and the luxury of your own sofa, rather than the uncomfortable plastic chairs in the Hall. You might like to watch it in instalments rather than straight through in one hit. This year it is up to you!
Applying for a place on DofE
DofE Enrolment Forms available from tutors on Monday 21 September 2020. The booklets and forms are also available to download from the relevant section of this website.
Make sure you meet the enrolment deadline of Thursday 1 October.
We cannot promise to be able to run Expeditions in 2021, but if we allowed to do so, we will! Expedition payments are not requested until February, and we will refund Expedition payments if the Expeditions are cancelled.
Bronze Kit List Silver Kit List Gold Kit List
Recommended suppliers include…
cotswoldoutdoor.com – Historically, there was a 15% discount off all full price items using the discount card in your welcome pack. Sometimes the staff are able to honour this discount. Nearest store is at Webbs of Wychbold.
gooutdoors.co.uk – The official DofE supplier!. Advice and DofE packages available in store. Nearest store is in Kidderminster. The discount card is in your welcome pack.
Ideas for your award
Mar 3 2021
Calling all Bronze DofE students! Your group walking challenge for week 5 is to walk from South Bromsgrove High School to the Peak District! That's 125 km. Mrs Haden and Miss Mumford think you're up to the task! Don't forget to record and submit your KMs. https://t.co/qNlgRzT5LC
Feb 12 2021
This afternoon, Mr Smith shares his favourite piece of equipment he takes with him on expeditions. "One of my favourite bits of kit is the emergency storm shelter. Handy for getting out of bad weather and you can warm up really quickly" https://t.co/ng9QCYSVap
Feb 12 2021
An important clothing tip from Mr Watkins this morning, never underestimate the importance of socks! "Pack spare walking socks! It is important to keep your feet dry!" https://t.co/zeNBKEPD40
Feb 11 2021
#3 Remember that not everything needs to be waterproofed. Your sleeping bag, clothes, inflatable matress, stuff like that needs to be in sealed waterproof bags. But your stove, food etc. doesn't. If the forecast is for rain, put your waterproofs near the top of your bag.
Feb 11 2021
#2 Put water bottles in the side pockets and ask a friend to get them out for you without taking off your rucksack – getting it back on again can be a lot of effort!
Feb 11 2021
#1 If you have zipped pockets on your rucksack hip belt, put some snacks in there. It's much more comfortable than having them in your pockets and you can munch as you go.