The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at South Chingford Foundation School
At South Chingford Foundation School, we offer the Bronze and Silver levels of the Award. These programmes help students grow in confidence and independence, preparing them for future challenges while reflecting our values of Ambition, Resilience and Unity.
Meet our Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
Mr W Sheaff
Trust Duke of Edinburgh's
Award Coordinator
The Duke of Edinburgh Award at South Chingford Foundation School is led by Mr Sheaff, our DofE Coordinator. He oversees all training sessions, expedition planning and participant support across the Bronze, and Silver Levels.
Mr Sheaff works closely with staff and external assessors to make sure every student is fully prepared, safe and supported throughout the programme. Students can speak to him at any time if they have questions about training, expedition requirements or signing up. Parents who would like more information are also welcome to get in touch through the school office.
His aim is to ensure that every student who takes part feels confident, included and ready for each stage of their Duke of Edinburgh journey.
How It Works
The Award is made up of four parts that encourage young people to push their limits and explore new opportunities.
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Volunteering | Supporting your community and making a positive difference. |
| Physical | Becoming more active through sports, fitness or outdoor pursuits. |
| Skills | Developing a personal interest or learning something new. |
| Expedition | Planning, preparing and completing a journey as part of a team. |
Bronze Award – Year 9
The Bronze Award is the first step in the DofE journey. Students develop practical skills, try new experiences and discover their strengths through regular training and outdoor challenges.
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Weekly training sessions at lunchtime from January onwards
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One-day training hike in Epping Forest on 22 June
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Two-day and one-night training and practice expedition in Epping Forest in June.
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Two-day and one-night final assessed expedition in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire in July
Complete the DofE Online Registration Form
Leaflets and Information
Silver Award – Year 10
The Silver Award encourages students to build on what they learned in Bronze and take their skills to a higher level.
This stage strengthens resilience, independence and leadership through longer expeditions and group challenges.
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Training held once a fortnight after school from January onwards
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Three-day and two-night training and practice expedition in the Peak District in April or May
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Three-day and two-night final assessed expedition in the Peak District in May or June
Complete the DofE Online Registration Form
Leaflets and Information
Resources and Guides
eDofE App User Guide for Participant
10 Step eDofE User Guide for Participants
Expedition Food and Menu Planning List
Expedition First Aid Requirements
Expedition Dates
| Date | Award Level | Event |
| 8 May | Bronze | Training Hike |
| 13–15 May | Silver | Practice Expedition |
| 4–5 June | Bronze | Practice Expedition |
| 25–26 June | Bronze | Assessed Expedition |
| 8–10 July | Silver | Assessed Expedition |
News and Highlights
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2 February 2026 SCFS Volunteering success We're delighted to share our certificate from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, in recognition of the volunteering completed by students taking part in the DofE award this year. Students have taken part in a huge variety of activities, from in-school committees like School Council and Community Health Champions and, to helping at local youth organisations, volunteering at brownies and animal stables. Volunteering is one section of the DofE award, that students in years 9-10 have opportunity to earn at SCFS. This nationally-recognised award gives the students formal recognition of their SCFS values. We are very proud of them.
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21 November 2025 Silver DofE Students Complete Expedition in the Peak District Our Silver Duke of Edinburgh cohort successfully completed their qualifying expedition in the Peak District at the end of the summer term. The hike was challenging, with high temperatures throughout the day, but students coped exceptionally well by taking regular breaks in shaded areas and supporting one another throughout the route.
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2 July 2025 SCFS Silver Practice Expedition 2025 Our silver groups have been training and practicing their skills in preparation for attempting their Silver assessed expeditions. The students experienced their first introduction to the bigger hills in the Peak District, alongside the cooler country weather, and tested themselves, their kit and equipment to know what they are letting themselves in for. All the students completed their training expedition and are in a good position to attempt their qualifying expedition in a few weeks time.
