Education through Experience at BSB - The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

At BSB, we believe a great education is one that balances academic outcomes, character development, and well-being. We are proud to provide our students with outstanding experiences to achieve more than they ever imagined possible in and out of the classroom, to truly make their mark on the world.

All students in Year 10 to 13 are encouraged to work towards their Duke of Edinburgh's International Award which seeks to counterbalance their rigorous academic discipline during their IGCSE and IB Diploma studies. This is an internationally recognised programme that was founded in 1956 in the UK and currently more than a million young people in 130 countries worldwide is participating in it. The Award encourages students to get active, learn new skills, increase their fitness levels, cultivate a sense of adventure, volunteer in their community and work to develop resilience and confidence. We aim for all students to achieve the Bronze Award by the end of Year 10 and many students continue to achieve their Silver and Gold Awards during their remaining time at school.

Year 12 student James  (2nd from right) is now working on his Silver Awards. He said that “The Award allowed me to explore and develop my leadership skills, communication skills and exploration skills, enabling me to confidently trek through unfamiliar territory, with just a map and a compass. It also gave me a sense of pride, both of what I achieved and how I could help others during the service requirement of the award. 

I think my most unforgettable memory during the DoE Bronze Award was hiking up the Great Wall with my friends. The unique opportunity to undertake a challenge with friends, combined with the breath-taking views and an enormous sense of achievement, made the entire experience unmissable. After graduating BSB, I plan to study at university in the UK and I am hoping that completing the DoE Award will enhance my application, by helping to show any future place of study the kind of ambitious person I am."

 

BSB students participating in the Award are supported by Mr. Nick Bourne, (1st right) our school’s Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Coordinator, and other BSB teachers who have volunteered to help with the many adventurous journeys and activities throughout the year. Mr. Bourne has seen many students succeeded in achieving their Awards. He said that “They have showed commitment and a desire to succeed that will help them in their studies and personal development. They have developed leadership, teamwork and organisational skills that will assist them while they are in school and then for the future when they start university. These attributes are highly valued by universities and employers. In addition, their First Aid knowledge, appreciation of the outdoors and camp cooking skills will be of long-term social benefit to society as well as themselves.”

 

 

The International Award Framework

The Award has 3 levels and 4 sections and is designed to provide a balanced programme of personal development and challenge. Participants complete all 4 sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. Each young person designs and creates their own bespoke programme unique to themselves.

 

3 Levels

Level	Age	Minimum participation	Adventurous Journey
Bronze	Over 14	At least 6 months	2D & 1N
Silver	Over 15	At least 12 months (or 6 months if a Bronze Award holder)	3D & 2N
Gold *	Over 16	At least 18 months (or 12 months if a Silver Award holder)	44D & 3N

* Gold Award participants must also complete a Gold Residential Project.

 

4 Sections

Name	What it means
Physical Recreation	Participate in sport and other physical recreation for the improvement of health, fitness and wellbeing. Examples: Athletics; ball sports; water sports; winter sports; martial arts etc.
Skill	Develop personal interests, creativity or practical skills. Examples: Music; arts and crafts; nature and the environment; games; film, languages, public speaking, journalism etc.
Voluntary Service	Give service (volunteer) over a set period of time, and experience the benefits that their Voluntary Service provides to others in their community. Examples: First aid; visit/support people in need; volunteer at a hospital; sports coaching; charity work etc.
Adventurous Journey	Encourage a sense of adventure and discovery while undertaking a team journey with a purpose in an unfamiliar environment. The journey can be an exploration or an expedition but must be a challenge. Examples: Exploring the natural world; carrying out health surveys or health education in remote areas; completing a demanding journey by foot, cycle, canoe etc.

Part of the above information is from the official website https://intaward.org/.

 

Gold Award

Please see a photo of BSB Darren (middle) receiving his Gold Award from His Royal Highness Prince Edward (right) at the June 2018 Award Ceremony held in Beijing.

 

BSB Dabin (below) recently completed her Gold Award in June 2022. She took part in various Model United Nations conferences and raised funds for orphanage and charities. She participated in a project to promote the awareness of “LOVE MYSELF” – a campaign by UNICEF and BTS with the goal of ending violence and promoting self-esteem and well-being among children globally. Dabin said “The best thing about the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme is probably the time and memory with my friends. I made so many meaningful and unforgettable memories with my Gold Award members. I haven’t encountered any big challenges while completing the programme. Whenever I faced small challenges, my Gold IA supervisors and friends always encouraged me to go forward and gave me warm support, so I never wanted to give up. Click here to read more.

 

 

Please click here to see the wide range of activities we offer at BSB to broaden your child’s horizons.