What is the Duke of Edinburgh International Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a globally recognised self-development programme that empowers young people to build essential life skills, resilience, and confidence. Open to participants in over 144 countries, the award inspires nearly five million young people worldwide to challenge themselves, give back to their communities, and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.
Who can take part?
The award is open to individuals aged 14–25 and is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and accessible to all. No matter their background, physical ability, or social circumstances, participants can tailor their experience to suit their personal interests and goals.
For those aged over 25, there are valuable opportunities to get involved as Award Leaders — guiding and mentoring young people through their DofE journey and contributing to the continued success of the programme at Doha College.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is one of Doha College’s most popular co-curricular activities, engaging hundreds of pupils across the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
Supported by a dedicated team of staff volunteers, participants are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones and challenge themselves in new and rewarding ways.
Through the Award, pupils take part in Adventurous Journeys (AJs) and develop vital life skills across four key areas — Service, Physical Activity, Skills, and for Gold participants, a Residential Project. Each stage builds independence, resilience, and teamwork, helping pupils grow into confident, capable young adults who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Expand the sections below to discover more about each level of the Award.
| Service |
The Service section encourages pupils to develop a strong sense of social responsibility and to make a positive impact on their community. Participants engage in meaningful projects such as community outreach, environmental conservation, volunteering in hospitals or care homes, and specialised training in areas like first aid or lifesaving. Through these experiences, pupils learn empathy, commitment, and the value of giving back. |
| Adventurous Journey |
The Adventurous Journey is one of the most exciting elements of the Award. Designed to inspire teamwork, resilience, and a spirit of exploration, it involves completing a journey — by foot, bicycle, boat, or horseback — that challenges participants both mentally and physically. Proper preparation, teamwork, and self-sufficiency are essential components. For those seeking an even greater challenge, there are opportunities to complete this section overseas, in partnership with other award groups around the world. |
| Skills |
This section focuses on developing personal interests and practical abilities. With more than 200 skills to choose from — including photography, cooking, writing, and crafts — pupils are encouraged to pursue hobbies that foster creativity, independence, and perseverance. |
| Physical Recreation |
The Physical Recreation section promotes fitness, discipline, and teamwork through regular participation in a chosen sport or physical activity. From football, athletics, and swimming to archery or canoeing, pupils work to improve their performance, set goals, and celebrate progress along the way. |
| Residential Project (Gold Level Only) |
Exclusive to the Gold level, the Residential Project broadens pupils’ horizons by encouraging them to live and work with new people for a continuous period of five days. This experience fosters independence, adaptability, and collaboration while providing opportunities to make lifelong memories and friendships. |
How to Enrol
Pupils wishing to take part in the Bronze Award can enrol in June at the end of Year 9, while those new to Doha College may join at the start of the academic year in September.
To progress to the Silver Award, pupils must have successfully completed the Bronze level if they were enrolled at Doha College in Year 10. Direct entry into the Silver Award is available to eligible 6th Form pupils, while Upper 6th Form pupils may also enrol directly onto the Gold Award.
Comprehensive details, including enrolment forms and guidance, are available through the Parent Portal.