The Ten Principles of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Everyone involved in the DofE, at whatever level, works within a set of principles that are at the heart of everything we do.- Non-Competitive: a DofE programme is a personal challenge and not a competition against others. Each participant's programme is tailor-made to reflect the individual starting point, abilities and interests.
- Available by All: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is achievable by any young person who chooses to take up its challenge.
- Voluntary: Young people make a free choice to enter the programme and commit their own time to undertake the activities.
- Personal Development: A DofE programme inspires personal and social development. The value to young people is dependent on personal commitment, the learning process, and the quality of the experience.
- Personalised: Young people design their own programme to suit their personal circumstances. They start at whatever level suits them best, and they can take as long as they wish (within the age limits).
- Balanced: By choosing activities in each of four different Sections (five at Gold), participants undertake a balanced and wide-ranging programme.
- Progressive: At each level, the Award Programme demands progressively more time, commitment and responsibility from the participant.
- Achievement Focused: Before starting an activity, young people are encouraged to set their own challenging goals. If they aim for those goals and show improvement, they will achieve their Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
- Demand Commitment: The D of E programme demands persistence and commitment and cannot be completed in a short burst of enthusiasm. Participants may want to continue with activities beyond the minimum time requirements set out for each level of the Award.
- Enjoyable: Young people and helpers should find participation enjoyable and fulfilling and rewarding.