Skills

Why is this part of the D of E award?

This section is designed to encourage you to discover and develop practical skills and personal interests.

What do I have to do?

The first stage is to identify the type of skill you might be able to do, and check the details with your group leader. You can carry out the activity alone or as a member of a group. 

Start with an initial briefing with an appropriate instructor. Then set yourself a goal for the activity,  and maintain an interest in the activity over a period, improving your skills and gaining a deeper knowledge of the subject. You should monitor your progress during the activity, and see how much you have improved by your final review.

What do I get out of it?

You can develop an existing interest try out something completely new. Whatever you do, this is a chance for you to develop your skills alongside enthusiastic people. You may just discover talents that you did not know you had.

Some examples of Skills

There are over 200 to choose from including:

• Agriculture - learn the practical skills of caring for animals or raising crops.
• Billiards, Snooker and Pool - Attend a regular coaching session and take part in competitions.
• Cake Decoration - learn the art of decorating different types of cakes.
• Chess - join a club and record your scores
• Film and Video making - join a group, or work with friends, to make a film
• Information Technology - understand the use of computers and how they work.
• Languages - learn the basics of a foreign language
• Singing - improve your technique and music reading ability.

For more information on activities qualifying as Skills, see the Skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award website.