Duke of Edinburgh
Cranbrook School has a proud history of providing diverse co-curricular opportunities, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a cornerstone of this tradition. In 2012, Cranbrook became a Directly Licensed Centre (DLC) for the DofE, a recognition awarded to schools that lead the way in delivering and supporting the Award programme. This status reflects our commitment to broadening participation and ensuring that as many students as possible benefit from this transformative experience.
Inspiring Principles
The DofE programme at Cranbrook is guided by the inspirational words of Helen Keller and T.E. Lawrence:
- Helen Keller: “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.”
- T.E. Lawrence: “All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.”
These principles capture the spirit of adventure, ambition and personal growth that lies at the heart of the DofE experience.
The Award Programme
The DofE programme at Cranbrook is powered by a dedicated team of teacher and parent volunteers who guide students through every stage of the Award. Our approach ensures that the programme is deeply embedded in school life, with the opportunity for every student to achieve their Gold Award by the time they leave Cranbrook.
Participants complete a personalised programme of activities across four key sections:
- Volunteering: Serving individuals or the community
- Physical: Improving fitness, sport or dance
- Skills: Developing practical and social skills or pursuing personal interests
- Expedition: Planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad
At the Gold level, participants also complete a Residential section, where they work and stay away from home while engaging in a shared activity with others.
Award Levels
The DofE programme offers three levels, each suited to a student’s age and experience:
- Bronze: A great starting point, introducing students to the DofE ethos
- Silver: A more challenging programme that builds on Bronze-level achievements
- Gold: The highest level, requiring significant commitment and providing life-changing experiences
While participants are free to begin at any level (depending on their age), many choose to start with Bronze and work upwards to gradually build their confidence and skills.
The Cranbrook Advantage
By taking part in the DofE, students develop resilience, leadership, teamwork and independence—skills that serve them well throughout life. The programme also fosters a sense of responsibility, adventure and ambition, leaving students with lasting memories and achievements they can be proud of.
Cranbrook School is dedicated to helping every participant unlock their potential and take on life’s challenges with confidence and determination.