Dear Parent/Carer of DofE participant,
We recognise that the current situation is a worrying time for everyone, and participants may be concerned about how they will continue their DofE award. The DofE award scheme have created a hub where participants, and parents, can find all the information and ideas they need during the coronavirus outbreak to allow them to keep working towards the different sections of their award:
https://www.dofe.org/dofewithadifference
I have also sent a message to this effect via your son/daughter’s eDofE account. Essentially participants can change the activity that they are using for the different sections. This must also be changed on their eDofE account and be submitted for approval. Please remember that your son/daughter will need to find an assessor, who is not a family member, and will need to keep evidence of regular activity (1 hour per week, towards the different sections). An example of this could be a Silver award participant who was playing football for his/her ‘Physical’ section and has only managed to complete 3 out of the 6 months required. He/she could then change the activity to running (keeping evidence on a fitness tracker) for the remaining 3 months.
In terms of the expeditions – it is clear, given the social distancing guidelines, that we will not be able to complete any of our planned expeditions this term. We are looking at rearranging these, as soon as it is practically possible. We are determined that the coronavirus pandemic will not disadvantage any of our students and we will communicate our plans to you once we have further information.
In the meantime, I would encourage all our participants to try to complete the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections so once we can complete the expeditions they will be ready to achieve their award.
Thank you for you continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by e mail.
Regards
Andrew Gee (DofE award manager)