The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award. The British International School of Boston is proud to be the only school in the metro Boston area to offer The Award and has been doing so since 2006. In 2017 we were pleased to have our first participant complete their Gold Award!
What is The Award?
The Award is a program of activities. Each young person who takes part in the Award learns a skill, improves their physical fitness, volunteers in their community and experiences a team adventure in a new environment. Success in the Award is measured by regular participation over a fixed period of time while showing commitment and progress in each activity. All participants are supported by a network of adult mentors called Award Leaders, Assessors, and Coordinators.
For the Adventurous Journey, students go on a hiking expedition in New England. Previous locations include: Pawtuckaway State Park (NH), the Berkshires (MA), the White Mountains (NH) and Monadnock State Park (NH).
The Award Framework
The Award is divided into three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, which correlate with varying time commitments growing progressively longer from Bronze to Gold. Students are eligible to start their Bronze Award in Year 10. During Years 12 and 13, IBDP students can count their activity hours to both the Award and their CAS requirements. Please see the accompanying Duke of Edinburgh Award Levels and Timeframes image.
Impacts and Benefits
Now, more than ever, we need a framework to equip young people for life in this ever-evolving world. As a result of participating in the Award program, young people will demonstrate gains or greater proficiency in these areas.
Outcomes for young people
- Confidence
- Ability to manage feelings
- Resilience and determination
- Building relationships and leadership
- Creativity and adaptability
- Planning and problem-solving
- Civic & intercultural competence
- Personal and social well-being
- Communication
Impact Measures
- Improved employability and earning potential
- Improved physical health and fitness
- Improved mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Increased engagement with charitable and community causes
- Improved environmental impact
- Increased social cohesion and community cohesion
- Reduced offending
Employability
Unfortunately, completing a college degree doesn’t guarantee a job in today’s competitive labor market. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award provides individuals with values and experiences that are highly sought after in the workforce. From the service/volunteering completed to the adventure an Award holder took on, employers are seeking well-rounded employees.
Club logistics
Students who take part in The Award attend weekly club meetings led by Mrs. Anderson-Shore and Miss Wagner. Sessions cover a range of activities including navigation, campcraft and first aid.
Learn more about the Award in the USA at www.usaward.org.