The DoE International Award

At Tara Pattana International School, we are proud to be able to offer our students the Duke of Edinburgh International Award that will allow students to develop their independence, resilience and community values.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, also known as the DofE Award, is a youth development program that originated in the United Kingdom. It aims to empower young people aged 14 to 24 to develop skills, engage in community service, experience adventure, and promote physical fitness. Participants undertake activities in four key areas: volunteering, physical fitness, skills development, and adventurous journeys. The program encourages personal growth, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. The Award is recognized globally and has been adopted by many countries around the world.

The award is a prestigious and globally recognised programme that empowers young individuals to develop key skills, discover new passions, and engage in meaningful activities. The International Award provides an excellent opportunity for young people to showcase their leadership, broaden their horizons and reach their full potential.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is designed to achieve four fundamental aims:

Personal Development: The Award focuses on the holistic development of young individuals, fostering their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth. It encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones, confront challenges, and cultivate a sense of self-belief and resilience.
Skill Enhancement: The Award offers a platform for participants to acquire and enhance a range of practical and personal skills. It encourages them to explore new areas of interest, such as music, arts, technology, or sports, while promoting creativity, innovation, and a lifelong passion for learning.
Community Engagement: Participants are actively encouraged to engage with their local communities, promoting social responsibility. Through voluntary service projects, they contribute their time and effort to make a positive impact, develop empathy, and foster a sense of social awareness.
Adventurous Journey: The Award instills a spirit of adventure and exploration by challenging participants to undertake an adventurous journey, typically involving outdoor activities and teamwork. This component encourages participants to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature and the environment.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is structured into three progressive levels, each with its own requirements and challenges:

Bronze Award: The introductory level, aimed at individuals aged 14 and above, requires participants to engage in a minimum of three months of activities in each of the Award’s four sections: Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service, and the Adventurous Journey.
Silver Award: This intermediate level, for individuals aged 15 and above, requires participants to dedicate a minimum of six months to each section, with an additional requirement of two nights and three days for the Adventurous Journey.
Gold Award: The highest level, targeted at individuals aged 16 and above, demands a significant commitment to the Award’s four sections, with a minimum of 12 months in each. The Adventurous Journey at this level lasts for four days and three nights and includes a residential project.

The Award is entirely flexible, allowing participants to shape their experiences and choose activities that align with their interests and ambitions. Participants are supported by trained Award Leaders and assessors who guide and evaluate their progress throughout the programme.

By participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, students have the opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements, develop vital life skills, build character, and broaden their horizons. It is a programme that equips young individuals with the confidence, resilience, and sense of responsibility necessary to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.

Jimmy Schultz, DofEIA Coordinator