There are three levels of programme you can do, which, when you’ve successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The main differences between them are the minimum length of time it takes to complete them, how challenging it is and the minimum age you can start.
You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections:
Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community
Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities
Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests
Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad
At Gold level, you must do an additional Residential section, which involves working and staying away from home doing a shared activity