The Department of Education and Children is a centre for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Award was founded in 1956 under the patronage of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, who remains patron. HRH the Earl of Wessex is a Trustee. DofE started in the Isle of Man in 1959..

To gain a Bronze award, over 14s must complete at least three months on each of three sections – volunteering, physical and skills – opting for six months on one of them. They must also plan, train for and complete a two-day expedition.

Over 15s can step up to work towards a Silver award, which involves a minimum of six months volunteering and six months on either physical or skills, with three months on the other. They must tackle a three-day expedition.

The ultimate award, the Gold, can be started from the age of 16. Young people spend a year volunteering and the same period on either physical or skills, with six months on the other. They also complete an expedition of at least four days and three nights and an extra section a residential, spending five-days undertaking group activities with people they don’t know.

At any one time around 800 young people in the Isle of Man are working towards awards via their secondary schools, voluntary youth organisations or youth groups.

An annual presentation of Bronze and Silver awards takes place at the Gaiety Theatre in the autumn and young people who have achieved their Gold award are honoured separately at a ceremony at Government House at Easter.

For further information contact Alison Gawne, Awards Co-ordinator, Department of Education and Children – 01624 686051/07624 321706.