The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is all about going the extra mile – gaining new skills, pushing oneself physically, helping others and exploring new territories. At the same time, each participant will gather friendships, experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
There are three levels of programme which, when 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 they take to complete, how challenging they are and the minimum age requirement when each may be started.
For those over 14 years old.
For those over 15 years old.
For those over 16 years old.
Participants volunteer in their communities, make a positive contribuition to society and demonstrate social responsability
Encourages young people to improve their fitness and performance, and enjoy healthy lifestyles for good mental and physical wellbeing.
Enables participants to develop their talents, broaden their abilities, increase their self-confidence and improbe their emoplyability.
Young people discover a spirit of adventure and gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the great outdoors.
At Gold level only
Participants broaden their experience by staying in an unfamiliar environment with other young people, taking part in a worthwile project and building new relationships.
The adventure part of the award starts with expedition training which includes map reading, rucksack packing, putting up tents, basic first aid techniques, learning how to cook outdoors and how to respect the countryside. In other words all the basic skills necessary in order to safely conduct the basic Bronze Expedition. The training is followed by a practice expedition to try out the newly acquired skills – a short walk, setting up camp, cooking a simple meal on the camping stove, packing away the tents and rucksacks and setting off on another short walk. An assessed longer expedition is organised later in the year, which includes an overnight stay in the tent. In addition to preparing for the expedition, the students work independently towards getting their volunteering, physical and skill qualifications. The students can choose from a wide range of activities – anything from dog training to aerobics, volunteering at an orphanage, or running a small business in the school’s Young Enterprise programme.
Award Coordinator – Daniela Ganea, Teacher of PE