Making the most of the DofE in schools

Encourage your participants to think about what kit they might need to complete their Award. It might be expedition kit (rucksack, boots, etc.) or something to assist with the Physical section (a racket, running kit, etc.) and think about putting these on their Christmas list so that Santa might help them achieve their Award!

Send a press release to the local paper on your group’s DofE achievements (from this year and the previous year). Include updates on your expeditions, Award achievements and any interesting or unusual activities – particularly those that have engaged the wider communities. For ideas, check out our document on ‘Telling your DofE story’ via the Resource Zone. Don’t forget to include lots of photos and quotes from participants, parents and Leaders. Make sure you display any coverage you receive on your DofE noticeboard and in the school reception, or on social media.

Seek approval for your expeditions early on from the Educational Visits Co-ordinator and ensure the dates don’t conflict with any other major activities (including exams, school productions, trips and exchanges).

Attend the Governor’s Christmas meeting and present an update on your DofE achievements so far (or contribute in advance to their report). Focus on the progress you’ve made towards your targets, any positive outcomes so far (quotes and photos are great illustrations for these) and demonstrate the impact of your work. This helps to raise awareness of the DofE activities and encourage their wider support (if they haven’t already invested). Don’t forget to share any positive stories before you go on Christmas break too (you could include them in an email if there is no formal report).

Update your headteacher and senior management team on the progress you’ve made against your targets. Your DofE reports could also be included in any reports produced for school inspections to help demonstrate how the school, through DofE activities, is supporting its students to develop outside of the classroom. You might find our ‘DofE and Ofsted’ document (available via the Resource Zone) helpful. Review general pupil progress reports and chat with subject and form teachers to see how DofE involvement has impacted participants’ wider attainment.

Carry out another audit of your volunteers to ensure you have individuals covering all the areas needed for the rest of the year. Request extra support from your staff if needed.