The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is available at ISR to students from the age of 14. Recognised by universities and employers around the world, the Award helps young people develop confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork, and other valuable skills for life.

The Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme in which every participant follows a personal journey. Students choose activities that reflect their own interests, ambitions, and talents while setting individual goals and working steadily towards achieving them.

To complete the Award, students take part in four key sections:

• Voluntary Service: Making a positive contribution to the school or wider community
• Skills: Developing a new ability or improving an existing talent
• Physical Recreation: Taking part in an activity that supports physical health and wellbeing
• Adventurous Journey: Planning, preparing for, and completing a team expedition involving hiking, navigation, outdoor cooking, and camping

Students complete each section over a set period of time and record their progress independently. With guidance from the ISR Award Leaders, they learn to manage their commitments, overcome challenges, collaborate with others, and reflect upon their personal development.

The Adventurous Journey is often one of the most memorable parts of the programme. Students work together to plan their route, organise their equipment and meals, navigate independently, and camp in the great outdoors. The experience encourages responsibility, perseverance, leadership, and trust.

The Award is not about being the fastest, strongest, or most experienced participant. It is about showing commitment, embracing new challenges, and discovering what you are capable of achieving.

Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, ISR students have the opportunity to explore new interests, serve others, build lasting friendships, and develop skills that will remain with them far beyond the classroom.