Derwen College was the first provider in Shropshire to run the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Will you challenge yourself to complete a DofE Award?

Gold group on their DofE expedition 2022 The College has been offering the DofE Award to students since 2014.

To date we have celebrated:

124 Bronze Awards

103 Silver Awards

38 Gold Awards

Steve Evans, Derwen’s DofE leader and Sports Coordinator, and Gold Winner of 2021 Pearson National Teaching Awards says:

“Throughout College and DofE, inclusivity is vital. We want all of our students, regardless of abilities or disabilities, to relish the experience.”

“The DofE programme challenges our students, giving them opportunities to develop skills for life and work and promoting independence.”

Whether you are Autistic, have physical disabilities or communication difficulties, the different sections can be tailored to suit you, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part. How far will you go?

Award Sections

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award involves completing four sections:

Volunteering: how you can make a difference to other people’s lives.
Physical activities: gives you the opportunity to work towards a healthy lifestyle and contribute to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Skills: encourages you to develop practical and social skills and pursue your personal interests.
Expeditions: includes camping overnight and preparing meals using camping equipment.
Residential: This is for Gold Level participants only and involves five days and four nights away from home. The residential is all about having new experiences, in a new environment and gaining new life skills.