Ready for the world
The International Award is an exciting and challenging self-development program that encourages young people from Grade 9 to 12 to discover what they are made of, make an impact on their community, develop a set of life skills (planning, negotiation, communication, problem solving, research and presentation skills), learn how to work together in challenging environments and, most of all, have fun!
Research at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award shows that through engaging in voluntary service, taking part in physical recreation, discovering personal interests and talents, and learning about leadership through adventurous activity, young people become confident, reflective, and engaged learners – in short, they become ready for the world.
All 3 levels are offered at ABA.
Participants complete Bronze, Silver and Gold levels through goals related to Community Service, Skill Development, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey.Participants must complete all four sections: Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and Expedition in order to achieve their Award, and are required to log their hours, much like CAS. At the Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an excellent model to get us back grounded into one of the key things that's starting to be left out of the conversation on a global level – diverse backgrounds, diverse people in challenging situations, learning to work together as a team. That's how people thrive in the workforce. And as adults.
Rob ACKER, CEO SALESFORCE.ORG
EXPEDITIONS
The expeditions vary in length and require a good level of fitness, as students are hiking or kayaking for the duration of their expedition.
At all levels, students work in teams and are responsible for carrying all of their own camping supplies and kit; navigating routes; setting up and breaking down camps; and purchasing, planning, preparing and cooking all of their own meals for the duration of the expedition. Students practice these skills on the Practice Expedition, and are then assessed by IA DofE qualified Assessors during their Qualifying Journey.
- The Bronze Award Expedition runs over 2 days and 1 night
- The Silver Award Expedition runs over 3 days and 2 nights
- The Gold Award Expedition is organized by the participating students and staff; and runs over 4 days and 3 nights. (If this is an international trip, this duration does not include travel time)
