COO k i n g The Commonwealt
Skills section
Learn about Commonwealth
countries and their cuisine,
developing your knowledge and
cooking skills at the same time.
Each week, choose a different Commonwealth
country (full list here), learn basic information
about the country and cook a national dish.
There are 54 Commonwealth countries, so this
activity could be used for a 3, 6 or 12 month
section depending on how many countries
you want to learn about.
You can adapt our suggestions for research and
cooking tasks below. Speak to your Assessor
if you want to do something a bit different to
make sure it still fits the section requirements.
There’s a template programme log on the next
page for you to track your progress.
Research task
■ Where is the chosen country – which continent
is it part of, and which countries does it have
borders with?
■ What is the name of the currency?
■ What is the current population?
■ What is the name of the capital city?
■ Does the chosen country offer the DofE through
the International Award?
■ What is the national dish of the chosen country?
Cooking task
1 Research the national dish or a commonly eaten
dish in chosen country.
2 Find a recipe.
3 Purchase ingredients (or substitutes if the exact
ingredient isn’t available).
4 Follow recipe and cook dish.
5 Take photos and get someone to taste test!
Review
■ Did you enjoy this dish?
■ How easy was it to cook / source the ingredients
/ did you have to make any substitutions or
change anything for dietary reasons?
■ Would you cook it again?
Evidence
Upload a photo of your finished dish and add your
Research and Review comments to a diary / log.
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No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
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COOKING: The Commonwealth

Programme log

Duplicate this document for as many weeks as you need.

Week Number: Country:

Research task

1 Where is this country?

2 What is the name of the continent?

3 What is the country’s current population?

4 What is the name of the capital city?

5 Does this country also do DofE through the

International Award, and what is it called?

6 What is the national / popular dish in this

country?

Cooking task
Write recipe here

1 Research the national dish / commonly

eaten dish in chosen country.

2 Find a recipe.

3 Purchase ingredients if possible.

4 Follow recipe and cook dish.

5 Take photos and get someone to taste test!

Review task

1 Did you enjoy this dish?

2 How easy was it to make? Could you find

the ingredients easily? Did you have to
make any substitutions or amendments
because of dietary requirements?

3 Would you make this dish again?

Evidence task

1 Get someone to try your dish, perhaps your

Assessor or a relative. Ask for their feedback
on the dish.

2 Take a photo and upload it to eDofE with

the written evidence here.
 S PORT
Appreciation
Project
Skills section

Use the Commonwealth Games as inspiration Suggestions for

to discover a new sport and learn all about it. evidence
This activity focuses on creating a research project on a particular ■ Film
sport or discipline of sports. You can use books, websites, ■ Photographs
podcasts, documentaries and films to help with your research.
■ Written report
Below is a 13-week template to guide you through a programme
to learn more about a sport for your Skills section. You don’t have
to follow it exactly – use it as a starting point to develop your own
ideas. If you choose this as your longer section, you’ll have to
adapt it to fit the timescale.

Remember, if you are physically taking part in this sport it

should be used for your Physical activity. For your Skills activity,
you should be learning the history, theory and background of a
chosen sport but not taking part.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity

No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
SPORT APPRECIATION: Project

Programme plan
If you are struggling to structure your project, you could follow the
weekly plans below. You might spend more time on a particular
aspect – that’s fine – it’s your project!

Week no. Suggested activity

Week 1 Meet with your Assessor to discuss the sport(s) you want to learn more about, agree your
goals, plan and how you are going to evidence your project (film / photos / written report).

Week 2 Create the introduction to your project.

■ Explain what sport(s) you are going to be researching.
■ Why are you interested in learning about this sport(s)?
■ What do you hope to have learnt by the end of your programme?

Week 3 Research the history of the sport(s) and record your findings.
■ Where/when did it originate?
■ Has it changed since it first started?

Week 4 Research the rules and scoring system of your chosen sport(s). You could create a
diagram that explains the rules, that you could use to show your Assessor.

Week 5 Research how the sport(s) is/are inclusive and equal.

■ Are there parasport versions? How is the sport adapted to people who may have disabilities?
■ Are there different versions for men/women?

Week 6 Check in with your Assessor to update them on your project.

What have you found interesting so far?

Week 7 Research the equipment/facilities needed for your chosen sport(s).

Have these changed over time?

Week 8 Research how the sport(s) may have evolved over the years.
■ Has technology been introduced to enhance the sport?
■ Have advancements in technology meant that the equipment is now different?

Week 9 Find a notable person involved with the sport(s) and create a biographic report on them,
their involvement, their successes and failures.

Week 10 Look into where the sport is played now. Are there opportunities for the sport in your local area?

Week 11 Find a video of your sport online, or if you can watch locally you could go in person.
Write a report on the event.
■ Who played/raced/took part? In team sports, who played against each other?
■ What was the score/who won?
■ Were there any interesting moves or tactics used?

Week 12 Research the competitions that this sport features in:

■ Local competitions? National competitions? International competitions?
■ Are there any differences between the different competitions or leagues?

Week 13 Finish up any sections that need any extra work and write up the conclusion of your project.
Home f i t n e s s
Programme
Physical section
Exercise is crucial to stay physically
and mentally healthy, and to build
muscle and stamina. Here are some
practical ideas that you can use as
your physical activity from without
any equipment.
Remember, you need to commit an average of an
hour per week to your physical activity – however
that doesn’t need to be an hour all in one go,
particularly if you are a beginner. You don’t want
to overstretch yourself and cause an injury.
You can split those 60 minutes into segments
to be done over the week, for example 4x 15
minutes, 3x 20 minutes, 2x 30 minutes. Whatever
works best for you. If you choose to do more
than the required 60 minutes for your sectional
activity a week – that’s amazing, keep it up!
Circuit training
Circuit training is a combination of exercises
performed with short rest periods between them
for a set number of repetitions (reps) or a specific
amount of time. It’s a great way to improve
cardiovascular fitness and strength endurance.
Here is an example of a 5-step exercise circuit.
If you’re new to these exercises, you might want
to start slower or with fewer reps. As you build up
strength and stamina, you could aim for two rounds
of the circuit in a session every couple of days.
■ Burpees (10 times)
youtube.com/watch?v=dZgVxmf6jkA
■ Air Squats (30 times)
youtube.com/watch?v=aclHkVaku9U
■ Plank (1 minute)
youtube.com/watch?v=ASdvN_XEl_c
■ Dips (10 times)
youtube.com/watch?v=0326dy_-CzM
■ Elevated Pike Pushups (10 times)
youtube.com/watch?v=Xvdc47Ywnkg
■ Repeat!
■ Take 10 seconds rest between each exercise
(but could be longer as a beginner)
■ Take 30 seconds rest after one full circuit
(but could be longer as a beginner)
You can find lots of alternative circuits online,
or you can create your own if that works better for
you. The key is to commit yourself to improving
and to build on what you have done.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity
No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
HOME FITNESS: Programme
Physical section
App-based fitness programmes
There are many app-based fitness programmes
and apps that can monitor your daily activity
levels. We’ve listed a few below but there are
many others – speak to your Assessor or DofE
Leader if you want to see whether a particular
app-based programme will meet the sectional
requirements.
Make sure that you track your progress and
upload evidence to eDofE.
Couch to 5k App
A running programme for absolute beginners, this
is a popular activity for all ages. The app is free,
gives you a choice of motivational trainers, tracks
your runs, and works with your phone or music
player.
More information and links to download on the
NHS website.
Joe Wicks – The Body Coach App
The Body Coach app offers weekly live workouts
with Joe Wicks, who became very well-known
in 2020 for his daily workouts during lockdown.
This app has a cost associated with it.
More information and links to download on the
Body Coach website.
The Active 10 App
Walking briskly even for a few minutes can begin
to improve your health and stamina. The Active
10 app records your steps and shows your
achievements. You can screenshot your progress
as evidence for this section.
More information and links to download on the
NHS website.
Strava App
Strava is a free app to track your walking or
running routes and training goals. There are paid
extra features, but you can use the free version to
track your progress and upload as evidence.
More information and links to download on the
Strava website.
Evidence
Record your activities using a log, either the
one below or create your own. Show how you’ve
progressed either in intensity, weights, speed,
duration etc. Be proud!
HOME FITNESS: Programme

Programme log

Print this page to fill in for your evidence.

Week no. Date(s) Activities Time spent

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

Week 12

Week 13

Personal review or comments on progress:

Repeat x2 for 6-month section. Repeat x4 for 12-month section.

Gymnastics Basic skills
Physical section
Suggested skills

Choose skills that you would like to learn at home

– we’ve listed some suggestions below but you
can choose whatever you like. Just be realistic
about what you can achieve if you’ve never done
gymnastics before! Some will take time and more
than one week to master!

■ Front support
■ Side support
■ Japana
■ Shoulder stand
■ Splits (one way / two ways / three)

Useful websites

■ healthline.com/health/how-to-do-the-splits
■ sportplan.net/s/Gymnastics/front-support.jsp
■ coachgymnastics.blogspot.com/p/stretching-
Learn basic gymnastics skills at
japana-japana-is-stretch.html
home and improve your fitness
■ british-gymnastics.org
and flexibility.

Gymnastics is a popular Commonwealth

Games sport, and you can teach yourself
Evidence
the basics from home! This activity can be
Upload a photo of your gymnastics skill. Keep a log
used to complete a 3, 6, or 12 month section
of what progress you made towards them each
depending on how many gymnastics skills
week. Share things on social media.
you want to learn.

You could learn through YouTube videos or

some of the suggested websites below.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity

No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
GYMNASTICS: Basic skills

Programme log

Duplicate this document for as many weeks as you need.

Week Number(s): Country flag:

Date:

Activity log

Record what you did each week towards your project

Week no. Activities

Evidence task

Take a photo and upload it to eDofE.

 FLnAdGcrSafts
arts a
Skills section
Create copies of Commonwealth
flags through an artistic
medium of your choice.
Each week, choose a different
Commonwealth country (full list here), and
create a copy of the flag using any medium
you would like. There are 54 Commonwealth
countries, so this activity could be used for a
3, 6 or 12 month section depending on how
many countries you want to include and how
long your chosen craft takes.
There’s a template programme log on the
next page for you to track your progress.
Project
Arts and crafts project
Create a copy of the flags of the Commonwealth
through whichever medium that you want to use.
It could be the same medium each week, or you
could use different ones for different flags.
Examples include:
■ Cross-stitch / embroidery / knitting
■ Textiles / quilting
■ Collage / digital photo montage / mosaic
■ Fabric painting
■ Painting / drawing
Be creative! You can use any medium.
Evidence
Upload a photo of your finished flags to eDofE.
Keep a log of what progress you made towards
them each week. You could share photos on social
media and include any feedback in your evidence.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity
No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
FLAG ARTS AND CRAFTS: Project

Programme log

Duplicate this document for as many weeks as you need.

Week Number(s): Country flag:

Date:

Activity log

Record what you did each week towards your project

Week no. Activities

Evidence task

Take a photo and upload it to eDofE.

L a ngu ages ommonwealth language
Learn a C
Skills section

Identify a language spoken in the Commonwealth Suggestions for

that you would like to study. evidence
Depending on the language, you could go to local classes, follow You’ll need to upload some
YouTube learning videos, ask friends or relatives who speak the evidence onto your eDofE account
language for guidance, or download language learning apps to show your progress.
like Duolingo.
Examples of evidence might be:
There are 54 countries in the Commonwealth, and a huge
number of languages spoken so you have lots to choose from – ■ Create an ongoing vocabulary list.
though some might be easier to find classes and resources for
■ Write a short paragraph
than others. You can find a list of the countries here. introducing yourself and where
you live.
■ Record a pretend conversation.
■ Screenshots of progress on a
language learning app.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity

No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
LANGUAGES: Learn a Commonwealth language

Programme plan

If you need help structuring your activity, you could follow some suggestions below. This is a guide,
so there’s no need to follow it exactly – you can create something entirely new with your Assessor
if you would prefer.

This programme planner is for people who are learning a new language from scratch. If you already
have basic knowledge of a language and want to improve, you’ll have to adapt it.

Week no. Activities Suggested tasks

Week 1 Language learning Learn greetings (Hello / Goodbye / Please /

Thank you etc).

Week 2 Language learning Learn numbers 1–20.

Week 3 Listen to music in your chosen
language – look up lyrics in English
and the chosen language to
compare.
Look up some artists, maybe different
genres, and listen to a few songs and try
to understand them.
If you read the lyrics at the same time, it’s
easier to pick out individual words. If you can
also find English lyrics, you can compare the
two, and pick out specific vocabulary.
Write down any interesting words or tips
about pronunciation.

Week 4 Language learning Learn some describing words such as

colours and sizes. Practice describing people
or objects.

Week 5 Language learning Learn the different types of weather and

write descriptions of weather in different
Commonwealth countries.

Week 6 Watch a TV programme in your Choose a tv programme in the chosen

chosen language (either dubbed or language or watch an English programme
originally in that language – you can with dubbing into the chosen language.
have English subtitles!). Write a summary of what the show was about,
and any vocabulary you learned.

Week 7 Language learning Learn words relating to family and friends

and write sentences about your own family
and friends.

Week 8 Language learning Learn positive / negative describing words.

LANGUAGES: Learn a Commonwealth language

Programme plan

Week no. Activities Suggested tasks

Week 9 Watch a news report / read news Write a summary in English about the news
articles in your chosen language. report, and list five words you learnt from it.
Some languages may have a ‘slow
news’ website, which reads the
news in a slower and easier to
understand way.

Week 10 Language learning Learn vocabulary about animals and write

sentences about them.

Week 11 Language learning Learn modes of transport and directions.

Practice asking for directions in your
target language.

Week 12 Watch a movie in your chosen
language (either dubbed or
originally in that language – you
can have English subtitles!).
Choose a movie in the chosen language or
watch an English movie with dubbing into
that language.
Write down any words you heard and
recognised, and any thoughts you have
intonation or accents.

Week 13 Language learning review: Summarise your learning, and reflect on your
What have you learnt? journey so far. What did you struggle with?
What was easy? Are you going to continue
learning this language?

If you choose to do this for a 6 or 12 month section, add more challenging tasks for future lessons.
Perhaps you could script a conversation with someone, or try to watch a TV show where both the
spoken language and subtitles are in your target language, to see how much you can pick up.
RUN N i N G Programme
Physical section
Running is a hugely popular form of exercise, and a major spectator event
at the Commonwealth Games – and you can do it for your DofE!
Regular running or jogging offers many health
benefits, such as:
■ helping to build strong bones;
■ strengthening muscles;
■ improving cardiovascular fitness;
■ helping maintain a healthy weight.
Running can easily be done in your local area,
maybe a park or by a nature reserve, or even at
your DofE centre if you have enough space.
Before you start, think about what you want to
achieve from running or jogging and set your
goals – but remember, don’t be disappointed if you
don’t fully achieve them. The most important part
is that you put in the effort and try your best!
Jogging and running are forms of aerobic exercise.
If you are just starting out, you might want to start
slow with brisk walking, you can then progress to
jogging and work up to running. It also adds stress on
your ankles and knees, so speak to a specialist if you
have any weaknesses there. You may be able to wear
certain supports and adapt your programme to suit.
Remember, you need to commit an average of an
hour per week to your Physical activity – however
that doesn’t need to be an hour all in one go,
particularly if you are a beginner. You don’t want to
overstretch yourself and cause an injury.
You can split those 60 minutes into segments to
be done over the week, for example 4x 15 minutes,
3x 20 minutes, 2x 30 minutes. Whatever works best
for you. If you choose to do more than the required
60 minutes for your sectional activity a week –
that’s amazing, keep it up!
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity
No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
RUNNING: Programme

Physical section

There are lots of resources online that will support

Getting involved with others
you to complete your activity by suggesting a
schedule or plan to follow. Depending on your
Running doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Maybe
level of experience, how long you are going to
you have other friends doing DofE who would like
do your section, and what your goals are might
to run with you? You could perhaps find a local
depend which resources you use – or you could
running club, see where your nearest ParkRun
just create your own, whatever works for you!
event is held, or run with your family?

■ None to Run
www.nonetorun.com
Evidence
■ Couch to 5k
nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by- Record your activities on a programme log. You
week can use the one below or create your own. You can
also track your exercise on a smart watch app or on
■ Couch to 10k
Strava and upload screenshots to eDofE.
marathonhandbook.com/couch-to-10k-
training-plan
Show how you’ve progressed either in speed/
■ 5k to 10k duration etc. Be proud of yourself!
bupa.co.uk/health-information/exercise-fitness/
running-programme-10km
■ 10k to half-marathon
runnersworld.com/uk/training/half-marathon/
a764179/half-marathon-training-plans
RUNNING: Programme

Programme log

Print this page to fill in for your evidence.

Week no. Date(s) Activities Time spent

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

Week 12

Week 13

Personal review or comments on progress:

Repeat x2 for 6-month section. Repeat x4 for 12-month section.

 SPO RT S
Nutrit io n
Skills section

Research the different kinds of nutrition and Suggestions for

specific diets needed for different sports. evidence
Nutrition is a key part of athlete training for any competition, ■ Notes from your research.
particularly a competition as significant as the Commonwealth
■ Recipes and meal plans you
Games. For your Skills activity, you can research the different kinds
have tried out.
of nutrition needed for different sports and test out recipes.
■ Photographs of recipes you
have tried.
■ Feedback from people who
tested your recipes.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity

No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
SPORTS NUTRITION

Programme plan

This plan is for a 13 week programme. If you want to use this for a 6 or 12 month section,
speak to your DofE Leader or Assessor about ideas to extend the plan.

Category Week number

Identify and research energy Week 1 Endurance events

requirements / macronutrient
Week 2 Power events
breakdown for different
Commonwealth sports. Week 3 Strength events

Energy drinks Week 4 Research and create recipe for energy drinks.

Week 5 M
 ake and test energy drinks with people
involved with a relevant sport – maybe a
local team, or friends in your DofE group.

Recovery drinks Week 6 Research and create recipe for recovery drinks.

Week 7 M
 ake and test recovery drinks with people
involved with a relevant sport.

Energy bars / bars Week 8 R

 esearch and create recipe for energy
bars / balls.

Week 9 M
 ake and test energy bars / balls with people
involved with a relevant sport.

Research and create meal plans for Week 10 C

 reate and photograph endurance meal plan
three different Commonwealth sports with recipes and instructions.
– one endurance, one power, and
Week 11 C
 reate and photograph power meal plan with
one strength.
recipes and instructions.

Week 12 Create and photograph strength meal plan

with recipes and instructions.

Week 13 R
 esearch and write about considerations and
substitutions for special diets, e.g. vegetarian,
vegan, halal, coeliac etc.
Volu n t E E r i n g
rity
Fundraise for a cha
n
Volunteering sectio
■ - Copies of any resources you create

Learn how to do remote or socially-distanced Suggestions for

volunteering to fundraise for a charity. evidence
Be creative, have fun and, if you wish, work with others to scale up ■ Activity log
your ideas and complete your Volunteering section as a team.
■ Diary entries
■ Photographs / short videos
■ Screenshots from social media
■ Copies of any resources
you create

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity

No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
VOLUNTEERING: Fundraise for a charity

Programme plan

Sessions can be combined or broken into multiple blocks, as long as the total time period
(between session 1 and session 13) covers a minimum of three months. As a reminder, you should
be doing an average of an hour of activity each week.

S
 ession
suggestion Description

1 F
 ind out about To make the most of your DofE Volunteering section, start by doing your
your chosen research. What is the background to the charity you have identified?
charity Identify a suitable Assessor (e.g. someone who works for the charity,
or who has a connection to the charity) and contact them to ask for
an initial meeting (online or over the phone).

2 ‘Meet’ your When you first ‘meet’ your Assessor, talk to them about your goal for this
Assessor section. What do you want to achieve? Share your project ideas with your
Assessor and decide how the end product will look. Some ideas include a
virtual or socially-distanced event (e.g. a fancy dress day, online baking lesson,
mindfulness activity – be imaginative!), a personal challenge like running a
certain distance, or an online campaign.

3 S
 tart working Use your time to find out more about your project – speak to others linked
on your project to the issue and the charity you have identified to find out their needs and
experiences. Research and set up an online donation page that can be
shared in the coming weeks.

4 S
 tart sharing Create publicity materials (images, information, videos – anything to share on
your project social media!) and start to share your project with friends and family. Don’t
more widely forget to share the link to your online donation page too! If you are arranging
a virtual or socially distanced event, speak to those in charge to arrange any
necessary logistics such as a headteacher or Scout Leader.

5 C
 ontinue your Now that the word is out about your project, spread the message more widely!
project work Could you contact your local newspaper or radio station?

6 R
 eview your Make sure you catch up with your Assessor to show them what you have
progress with done so far – do they have any suggestions or improvements, or do you
your Assessor need any support?
VOLUNTEERING: Fundraise for a charity

Programme plan

S
 ession
suggestion Description

7 C
 ontinue your What resources do you need for your virtual or socially distanced event,
project work or online campaign? Get organised ahead of time.

8 Be proactive Write to local businesses and/or your local MP asking for support.

9 U
 se social Advertise your project on social media. Can you put an update on local websites
media or on social media? Don’t forget to tag us and your chosen charity! Tell your
family and friends about your progress and keep spreading the word.

10 Sort out your Run through any last minute logistics for your event – double check timings,
logistics organise your resources and speak to any helpers about their roles on the day.

11 Event time! It’s the big day – oversee the collection of any donations if this hasn’t already been
handled online, and run your chosen activity.

12 Celebrate! Share your success on social media and thank everyone that has supported
you, including anyone you reached out to at the local newspaper, radio station
or businesses.

13 Evaluate your Make a note of your key successes and any challenges you faced during
project this project. Talk to your Assessor about your achievements during your
time volunteering. Hand over to the next participant or group, or share your
experiences with the next DofE cohort in your centre.
Volu n t E E r i n g
Raise awareness
n
Volunteering sectio

Learn how to do a remote or socially-distanced Suggestions for

volunteering programme to raise awareness evidence
around a particular issue such as youth
■ Activity log
homelessness, single-use plastics or mental health.
■ Diary entries
Be creative, have fun and, if you wish, work with others to scale up
■ Photographs / short videos
your ideas and complete your Volunteering section as a team.
■ Screenshots from social media
■ Copies of any resources you
create

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity

No: 1072490, and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal
Charter Corporation No: RC000806.Registered Office:
DofE.org Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, SL4 1EU
VOLUNTEERING: Raise awareness

Programme plan

Sessions can be combined or broken into multiple blocks, as long as the total time period
(between session 1 and session 13) covers a minimum of three months. As a reminder, you should
be doing an average of an hour of activity each week.

S
 ession
suggestion Description

1 F
 ind out about To make the most of your DofE Volunteering section, start by doing your
your chosen research. What is the background to the issue you have identified? Identify
charity a suitable Assessor (e.g. someone whose work is connected to the issue,
a family friend or your DofE Leader) and contact them to ask for an initial
meeting (online or over the phone).

2 ‘Meet’ your When you first ‘meet’ your Assessor, talk to them about your goal for this
Assessor section. What do you want to achieve? Share your project ideas with your
Assessor and decide how the end product will look (e.g. an online campaign).

3 S
 tart working Use your time to find out more about your project – speak to others linked
on your project to the issue you have identified to find out their needs and experiences.

4 T
 hink about your Who do you want to influence or persuade with this project? What is
target audience the message you want to send to them? What will be the best way to
communicate with your target audience, or to engage them in conversations.

5 S
 tart sharing Create publicity materials (images, information, videos – anything to share
your project more on social media!) and start to share your project with friends and family.
widely

6 C
 ontinue your Now that the word is out about your project, spread the message more
project work widely! Could you contact your local newspaper or radio station?

7 C
 heck in with Arrange a catch up with those you are supporting – do they have any feedback?
those you are
supporting

8 R
 eview your Make sure you catch up with your Assessor to show them what you have
progress with done so far – do they have any suggestions or improvements, or do you
your Assessor need any support?
VOLUNTEERING: Raise awareness

Programme plan

S
 ession
suggestion Description

9 Use social media Advertise your project on social media. Can you put an update on local
websites or on social media? Tell your family and friends about your project
and keep spreading the word!

10 Be proactive Write to your local MP highlighting the importance of the issue you
have identified, and outlining the work you have done so far as part of
this project.

11 Respond to any Make sure you leave time to respond to any emails, letters or comments on
correspondence / social media – it’s important to engage with everyone that you have reached
queries out to so far during this project.

12 Celebrate! Share your successes with those you have been supporting – find out if there
is anything that you can do to continue to raise awareness after the end of
your Volunteering section.

13 Evaluate your Make a note of your key successes and any challenges you faced during
project this project. Talk to your Assessor about your achievements during your
time volunteering. Hand over to the next participant or group, or share
your experiences with the next DofE cohort in your centre.