Duke Of Edinburgh

The Gold Award is open to any student in Year 12 and it is typically launched in the Autumn Term

No. You are able to start the Gold Award without having done any of the earlier levels

Yes you can but we’d expect you to show progression and to have a new objective

All participants will need suitable clothing and footwear to wear for their expeditions, as well as a sleeping bag. As a school we are able to lend tents, stoves and rucksacks to our students. A sample kit list is below to give you an idea of what is needed. It’s also worth noting that every participant receives a D of E reward card that gives discount in several outdoor shops if there are some items you need to buy.

Sample Bronze Kit List

Key: Words underlined are essential items 

To wear walking;

• Walking boots
• Walking socks
• Trousers (NOT denim/jeans) leggings are ideal
• Thin base layer (synthetic material. E.g. Football shirt)
• Thicker fleece / Warm sweater (Quick drying i.e. not heavy cotton)

Personal Kit (to carry) 

• 65l Rucksack (Can be borrowed from school)
• Waterproof rucksack liner (strong bin liners)
• Mat to sleep on (some available to borrow)
• 2/3 Season sleeping bag in a waterproof bag and wrapped in a bin bag to ensure it remains dry as this is often carried on the outside
• Waterproof jacket with hood & taped seams
• Waterproof over trousers (essential)
• Spare walking socks - a pair for each day
• Underwear
• Survival bag (approx. £3 from go outdoors)
• Shorts (optional)
• Spare Walking trousers (Also for sleeping in)
• Spare Warm fleece top (Also for sleeping in)
• Fleece/wool hat – (essential)
• Warm gloves - (essential)
• Personal medication (as required)
• Water bottle (x2 separate) and water - 2 litres
• Knife, spoon, Plastic Plate/bowl/plastic mug
• Plastic Mug
• High calorie food for in an Emergency
• Wash kit and part of a loo roll
• Sunhat & sunglasses
• Additional footwear in case of blisters/evening wear eg Flip-flops/Sandals or light weight trainers

Group Kit (to carry between the walking team)

• Lighter/matches
• Pan scourers
• Washing up liquid in small container
• Tea towel
• Pocket-knife / tin opener
• Plastic bags/bin liners for rubbish
• Food – breakfast, lunches and dinner each day (as advised)
• Watch
• Small game/Frisbee/ball

Group First Aid Kit (to carry)

Each group should have at least one first aid kit between them as well as any personal medication.

• Small roll of micro-pore tape or blister treatment
• Assorted plasters
• Small safety pins,6
• Scissors blunt ended
• Surgical gloves, pair
• Antiseptic cleansing wipes
• Wound dressing, small
• Bandage, 7.5mm
• Bite/sting cream
• Insect repellent
• Torch
• Sun cream / Lip salve

All participants will need suitable clothing and footwear to wear for their expeditions, as well as a sleeping bag. As a college we are able to lend tents, stoves and rucksacks to our students. A sample kit list is below to give you an idea of what is needed. It’s also worth noting that very participant receives a D of E reward card that gives discount in several outdoor shops if there are some items you need to buy

Sample Gold Kit List

To Wear Walking

• • Walking boots (worn in well beforehand)
  • Pair of summer walking socks 

• Trousers / leggings (rapid drying, NOT denim) 

• Thermal base layer - long sleeved thermal
• Short sleeved t-shirt - base layer (e.g. football shirt) 
• Mid layer thin fleece

Personal Kit 

• Waterproof rucksack liner (rubble sacks)
• Sleeping mat (Foam sleeping mat in rubble sack)
• Sleeping bag (3+ season in a compression sack & rubble sack)
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Waterproof over trousers
• Walking socks pair for each day 
• Underwear
• Additional tops
• Additional walking trousers (Also for sleeping in)
• Warm thicker fleece top (Also for sleeping in)
• Warm hat (Essential)
• Gloves (Essential)
• Personal medication (if required)
• Torch & spare batteries 
• Water bottle/hydration pack- 2 litres
• Knife and spoon
• Plastic Mug 
• High calorie food for in an Emergency 
• Wash kit/wet wipes and part of a loo roll
• Sunhat/ Sun cream/ Lip Salve/ Sunglasses

• Practical alternative footwear for the evening e.g. sandals (other shoes can be left in the bus)
• Insect repellent
• Walking pole (optional)

Group kit (to carry between the group)

• Lighter/matches
• Pan scourers
• Washing up liquid in small container
• Tea towel
• First aid kit
• Plastic bags/bin liners for rubbish
• Food 
• Small game/Frisbee/ball

First Aid Kit (to carry)

Each group should have at least one first aid kit between them as well as any personal medication. 

• Assorted plasters 10, or strip
• Small safety pins, 6
• Scissors blunt ended
• Surgical gloves, pair
• Antiseptic cleansing wipes, 4, alcohol free
• Micro-pore surgical tape – Essential
• Wound dressing, small
• Bandage, 7.5mm
• Bite/sting cream
• Blister pack, ‘Compeed’, ‘Melolin’ or similar

Provided by College

• 65L rucksack
• Safety whistle
• Maps
• Compass
• Tent
• Stove and Fuel

Participants choose their own expedition teams, each team must have a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 7 people.

Yes! Part of the challenge is trying something new and leaders will help you along the way. We have all sorts of students take part and you’ll be looked after on the expeditions.

Each participant will receive a D of E badge or brooch as well as having the opportunity to have their certificate presented to them at one of the Royal Palaces!

More information about the award can be found on the official D of E website (https://www.dofe.org/) or feel free to contact us if you’ve still got questions

For a list of Ideas please visit the DofE website where a list can be downloaded. 

Mr P Hilton (PHilton@sandhigh.cheshire.sch.uk)

Mrs S Friend (SFriend@sandhigh.cheshire.sch.uk)

D of E Award Coordinators