DoE photography

Participants must:

1. Undertake an activity regularly which develops or improves on a desired skill for the required length of time;

2. Meet the minimum time requirements - this is a minimum of three months (13 weeks) for the Bronze award, unless the skill is chosen as a Major Section whereas the time is a minimum of six months (26 weeks);

3. Show regular commitment, progress and improvement in their chosen activity;

4. Understand that regular time commitment means at least one (1) hour per week; and

5. Undertake activities substantially in their own time. This means that whilst some activity may take place within school, university or work hours, most of it should occur outside of these scheduled times.

Assessment is undertaken by a suitably experienced and/or qualified Assessor who has been nominated by the Award Centre or identified by the Participant, and approved by their Award Leader, on behalf of the Award Centre. Please note that the selected Skill activity may require Assessors to be qualified or registered with a relevant club, institution or accredited organisation.

Assessors both help Participants set goals for their chosen activity and assess whether or not a Participant has undertaken the required regular effort and has strived to achieve their goals. Assessors are responsible for writing the final assessment report and signing off the Section which they are assessing. The frequency of the contact and monitoring between the Participant and the Assessor will depend on the activity and the age/level of independence of the Participant. As a guide, every 2 – 4 weeks may be appropriate.

The course lead for Edoceo Group's DofE photography programme is Gary Wilson, an experienced professional photographer and educator, qualified with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography and British Institute of Professional Photography and holds the Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Here is a guide on talking through the steps to your Participant:

1. Choose your activity. If there’s something you really want to do, but don’t know how to go about it, talk to your Award Leader, your friends, your family, and do some research online.

2. With the guidance of your Award Leader, identify your Assessor(s). They must be suitably experienced and/or qualified and be approved by your Award Leader before you can undertake any Duke of Ed activities with them.

3. Set yourself challenging and realistic goals, in consultation with your Assessor(s). It is really important that you do this before you start your activity, so you know what you are working towards.

4. Pursue these goals for the required time (depending on The Duke of Ed level being undertaken), and log hours and activity into your Record Book.

5. You may like to keep a journal. This could be a diary, photos, video or a blog.

6. Keep in touch with your Assessor so that they can monitor your progress and discuss any concerns you may have about achieving your goals.

7. Once you have completed your activity and reached your goal, ask your Assessor to complete the final assessment in your Record Book.

8. Once you have completed all Sections, submit your Record Book to your Award Leader for final assessment of your Award.

9. Remember, your Award Leader and Assessor are there to guide you and help with any questions you have along the way, so don’t be afraid to ask!