Not all learning happens in the classroom. Young people need experiences outside the school campus to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is available to all 14-24 year olds and is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It equips all young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests. Participating in The Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; rather, it challenges young people to strive toward their personal limits, recognising their achievements in doing so consistently. In this way, The Award equips young people for life and work.
Since its launch 60 years ago, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has inspired millions of young people to transform their lives. Through non formal education, The Award can play a critical and positive role in a young person’s development into adulthood.
The Award framework
The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections. Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project.
| Bronze Level | Silver Level | Gold Level |
|---|---|---|
Bronze For those over 14 years old. | Silver For those over 15 years old. | Gold For those over 16 years old. |
Why is The Award particularly significant to AIS students?
AIS started delivering The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in 2013 and since then, has had many students take part in and benefitted from achieving the Bronze Level.
The programs delivered in Senior School (International Baccalaureate and QCE) both recognise the importance of learning outside the classroom and value The Award as a mean to achieve this. Students following the QCE program are granted one credit towards their diploma if they complete The Award before finishing school (i.e. March of Grade 12). This credit is added to the students’ academic results, improving the student’s opportunities of achieving their QCE diploma.
Students following the IB Diploma program have the opportunity to link The Award to their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program, meaning they can complete both programs using the same activities/experiences without doubling up their invested time.
Whether you are thinking of doing the IB program or the QCE, The Award will ultimately improve a student's chances of being selected by their chosen university. The accomplishment of The Award will certainly set individuals above the many students seeking a place in prestigious institutions who have only engaged in academic work. By completing The Award, students will have demonstrated the skills necessary to engage with the wider community, pursue interests outside school and live a more balanced life.
Adventurous Journey Section
This Section of The Duke Of Edinburgh's Award encourages a sense of adventure whilst undertaking a team journey or expedition. As part of a small team, participants will plan, train for and undertake a journey with a defined purpose in an unfamiliar environment.
The journey can be an exploration or an expedition but must be a challenge. This Section aims to provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about the wider environment, as well as to develop their self-confidence, teamwork and health. Participants are taken out of their comfort zone but kept within a safe and secure setting, achieved through suitable training and supervision.
Students should think of The Award as an opportunity to explore their areas of interest and demonstrate how they can contribute their talents and skills to the wider community.
Would you like to know more about The Award? View the following website and have a chat with Ms. Judy.
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