Adventurous learning
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme at Babington House School provides Year 9 students with the opportunity to complete the Bronze Award and Year 10 students to progress to Silver.
Pupils begin with a rigorous two-day training course that teaches them the essential skills and knowledge they need to plot their expedition routes and plan daily meals for their team. A key element of the Award is the ‘Expedition’ section, with students undertaking practice and qualifying expeditions in the North Kent Downs and the Ashdown Forest, where they develop navigation, teamwork, and resilience in challenging outdoor environments. Students camp overnight in tents, and these trips are often the highlight of the Award.
Alongside this, students complete ‘Volunteering’, ‘Skills’, and ‘Physical’ sections. Volunteering encourages them to support their local community, while the Skills section allows them to develop new interests such as cooking, music, or creative arts. The Physical section promotes fitness through activities like sports or outdoor pursuits. Through completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, students build confidence, independence, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, equipping them with valuable life skills that support both their personal development and future educational pathways.
Our dedicated school DofE Co-ordinator will guide and support your child every step of the way, ensuring they have the encouragement and resources needed to successfully complete the Award. From helping them choose suitable activities to providing advice throughout each section, your child will be fully supported on their DofE journey. At the end of the Bronze or Silver programme, families will be invited to a special prizegiving ceremony, where students will be recognised and celebrated for their commitment, perseverance, and achievement. This memorable occasion is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work they have put in and to celebrate their success together.
