Intl. Award for Young People
The International Award for Young People is the name for the Duke of Edinburgh Award outside the UK (http://www.intaward.org/). The Award is an exciting self-development programme available to all 14 to 25 year olds. Over 7 million young people worldwide have taken up the Award challenge.
In 1988, representatives of the Award Programme worldwide founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (also known as The International Award Association or IAA). The Association was designed to coordinate and develop the Award worldwide, and to uphold the principles and standards of the Award Programme.
The International Award Association (IAA) is made up of 62 National Award Authorities (NAAs) and 230 Independent Operators (IOs) in more than 60 countries. Since 2006,The Heritage Private School has held a licence to run this programme as an independent operator.
The International Award for Young People Programme is based around three levels, each successive one requiring a greater degree of commitment:
- BRONZE is for those aged over 14. The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 6 months.
- SILVER is for those aged over 15. The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 12 months.
- GOLD is for those aged over 16. The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 18 months.
It is possible to start at any Level – some participants work their way through all three, while others start at Silver or Gold.
To gain an Award, participants must complete activities in four sections for a specified minimum period of time. There is an additional requirement of a Residential Project at Gold Level. Participants decide which activities they would like to do for each section.
Participants in the Award engage with their community and discover the impact they can have through:
- Community service projects.
- Conservation work.
- Voluntary service in hospitals or community homes.
- More specialised training such as lifesaving, first aid or rescue services.
The International Award for Young People – ‘Adventurous Journey’
The ‘Adventurous Journey’ is about adventure and discovery. Participants develop an understanding of the environment, and the importance of working together in a team with a common purpose. The journey can be on foot, by bicycle, boat or on horseback. Training, preparation, self sufficiency and self-reliance are the key elements.
The International Award for Young People – ‘Skills’
The ‘Skills’ section is about developing personal interests and learning practical skills, and there are almost limitless possibilities to choose from. There is no set standard that participants must reach: they set their own goals and measure their own progress against these.
The International Award for Young People – ‘Physical Recreation’
By undertaking some form of organised and regular physical activity, participants show perseverance, and improve their fitness. Their goal is to record their individual progress. Most team and individual sports are included as options, such as football, athletics, and archery.
The International Award for Young People – ‘Residential Project’
This is only a requirement at Gold Level. It aims to broaden experience through living and working with others who are not everyday companions. The project takes place over a period of five consecutive days. It requires resilience, adaptability and consideration for others.
