The Duke of Edinburgh’s award. Whether it be from your school, social media, the internet, or even this website, you must have heard of it somewhere. If you’re wondering what it is or what we do with it in the RAFAC, this page is for you.
Hopefully that video gave you an insight into what the DofE offers for young people. We at 1476 Squadron take the DofE very seriously due to this, and encourage all of our cadets to take part in the programme. Here are a few quotes from some of our cadets who have taken part in it:
Doing my Bronze DofE couldn’t have been more of an exciting opportunity. I got to meet new people and visit a part of the country that I had never been to before as part of my expedition. I got to help out my local community as part of my volunteering. And I got to improve my cricket skills as part of my physical. I feel that it made me a better person and so I couldn’t recommend it more.
Cdt Cpl Prasad, Bronze
Bronze and Silver consist of 4 parts: Expedition, Physical, Volunteering and Skills. Gold has an extra residential aspect to it, which is a chance to get away from your usual routine, challenge yourself physically and mentally, and make lasting memories with new friends.
As part of expeditions, we have taken cadets to many places around the country, including the Peak District and Burnham on Crouch. They’ve navigated using map and compass, travelled under their own effort without adult intervention, set up their own camps, cooked for themselves and supported each other.
As part of volunteering, cadets have volunteered with the Vulcan Restoration Trust, the Poppy Appeal and many other charities in our local community. They’ve enjoyed it as it helps them connect with others and helps the charities that they volunteer with as well.
Physical and Skills are mainly left up to the cadet’s choice. Some choose to use courses that they would have taken as part of being a cadet as their skills section, and for physical, cadets can do anything from a sport that they do outside of cadets to the Physical Training that we do as part of our weekly parade nights.
In conclusion, the DofE is a very enjoyable and inclusive award, which is respected by potential employers and external organisations. It gives you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job.
1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron Air Cadets 