The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a nationally recognised youth programme in the UK that helps young people develop key life skills through a mix of physical activity, volunteering, learning new skills, and an expedition. It’s open to students aged 14 and up. At St Clare’s, all Pre-IB students take part in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a programme designed to build teamwork, resilience, and independence.
The Bronze level typically takes 6 months to complete and includes four sections:
• Volunteering (helping others or the community)
• Physical (improving in a sport or fitness activity)
• Skills (learning a non-physical hobby or talent)
• Expedition (the most challenging part)
We sat down with one of the Pre-IB students, Stefan, before and after their expedition to hear his thoughts.
Before the Expedition
What are you most looking forward to about the Bronze DofE expedition?
Honestly, just being outdoors for a couple of days and having a break from school. I like physical challenges, so I think the hiking will be fun.
How are you feeling about the expedition overall?
Pretty good. I’m not really stressed about it. I’ve done a lot of sport and outdoor stuff before, so I’m used to pushing through physically.
What do you think will be the easiest part for you?
Definitely the walking. I go to the gym regularly, so endurance isn’t really a problem for me.
Have you done anything specific to prepare?
Not really, apart from packing my bag properly and making sure I get everything I need.
Do you think your team will work well together?
Yeah, we’ve got a good mix of people. Everyone’s pretty relaxed and gets along, so I think we’ll communicate well and keep each other motivated.
For the expedition, students must plan and complete a 2-day, 1-night journey, carrying all their own gear and camping equipment. They are required to walk a minimum of 12 kilometres per day, navigating the countryside using only maps and compasses—no phones or outside help allowed during the route. It tests their endurance, teamwork, and problem-solving under real outdoor conditions. To prepare, students participated in training sessions where they learned essential outdoor skills such as map reading, compass navigation, and how to pack efficiently for overnight hiking.
After the Expedition
How was the experience overall?
It went really well. The weather held up, and we didn’t get lost. It felt more like an adventure.
What part did you enjoy the most?
Probably the evenings, just sitting with the group and talking. It was very enjoyable and different from everyday life.
Was there anything that surprised you?
How quickly the days went by. I thought it would drag, but we were always doing something—navigating, walking, setting up camp.
What was the hardest part?
Waking up early after a rough night’s sleep in the tent. My back was sore, and it was freezing in the morning!
Would you do something like this again?
Yeah, I’d actually consider Silver or even Gold. It’s a good balance between physical challenge and just spending time outdoors with friends.
At St Clare’s, students don’t just stop at Bronze. The Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards are also offered for those who want to take on even greater challenges and further develop their skills in their following years at St Clare’s. Whether students arrive nervous or confident, the Bronze DofE always brings unexpected memories.
Written by Ömer – IB26 student