Duke of Edinburgh International Award

PERSONALISED LEARNING - THE THREE CORE ASPECTS

Personalised learning is at the heart of all we do here at La Côte International School Aubonne.

We believe there are key components to this: knowing our students well (personally, socially, and academically) and meeting their needs and aspirations.

Andy Puttock, Principal at LCIS, explains:

"In addition to these core qualities of a truly personalised education, our approach to personalised learning here at LCIS focuses on exceptional learning opportunities: our goal is to provide our students with a wealth of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, that allow them not only to succeed - to achieve the best they can - but also to flourish. Our goal is for them to discover new talents and passions, achieve things they never thought possible, and learn more about themselves every day."

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S INTERNATIONAL AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh's (DoE) International Award (IA) is one of the many opportunities for our students to push beyond their limits and, along the way, discover that they can achieve much more than they thought possible. The Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. By developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award helps young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.

A group of IB students have embarked on the challenge to earn a Gold Level IA award. This demanding, non-competitive challenge usually takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. Each student designs their own programme, with activities categorised into five sections - Physical, Skills, Volunteering, a five-day residential and two walking expeditions across the Swiss Alps.

Romain Buré, Secondary French Teacher and in charge of supporting our students through the DoE International Award, comments:

"Studying DP is challenging enough as it is, but imagine adding the International Award Gold level to that. Sarah, Siena, Pranavi, and Oriance have decided to do just that, and we are incredibly proud of their determination, proactivity and passion for the Award. Before the school holiday, they undertook their first expedition, which took them from Dent de Jaman to Les Mosses through stunning Swiss landscapes (Rochers de Naye, Lac Hongrin, Lac Lioson and Château d'Oex)."

In September, the girls will set off on a four-day expedition that will give them another opportunity to demonstrate teamwork, resilience and motivation.

Our sincere thanks go to our teachers, Romain Buré and Dan Porteous, for their time and effort in supporting our students on their expeditions.