The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is the world’s leading youth achievement award for non-formal learning programmes. It helps students develop skills, such as teamwork and leadership and improve their physical fitness. The award also gives them opportunities to volunteer and experience new adventures in different environments.
One World International School (OWIS) Nanyang is proud to be part of the Duke of Edinburgh programme for young people aged 14 to 24.
What Is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?
Over the last 60 years, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has helped millions of individuals in over 140 countries reach their potential and make a meaningful impact on their communities.
Founded in 1956, the DofE recognises students from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities and highlights the value of non-formal education and learning.
Students at OWIS Nanyang design their own programmes, set goals, and document their progress.
The Framework
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has bronze, silver and gold levels. Levels are earned depending on time commitment, which increases from bronze to gold. OWIS Nanyang currently operates the award for students at the bronze level.
OWIS students become eligible to begin their bronze award journey during Grade 8 in the areas of volunteering, physical fitness, skills and an overnight camping expedition.
Voluntary Service
Participants of the international award make a positive contribution to society and demonstrate social responsibility by volunteering. By donating time, students learn teamwork, communication and self-confidence.
Volunteering gives young people the opportunity to interact with the community, meet people they otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to meet and realise the positive difference they can make. Many of our students also choose to assist their younger peers in Early Childhood and Primary School with their learning as fulfilment of this section of the award.
Physical Fitness and Performance
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award encourages students to improve their physical fitness and performance and to live a healthy lifestyle that maintains good mental health and physical well-being.
Students can choose to participate in a team sport, a solo sport or any other physical activity. They can choose an activity they’ve done before or try a new one.
The physical recreation portion of the award helps young people build valuable team skills and maintain healthy self-esteem and confidence.
Skill Development
Skill development helps participants develop talents, broaden existing abilities and improve employability. The skills section helps students hone their personal interests and practical and social skills.
Participants in the DofE at OWIS Nanyang can choose to improve an existing skill or try something new. Colleges, universities and employers like to see candidates with existing life skills.
Adventure
When a young person discovers the spirit of adventure, they gain a deeper understanding of the environment and learn to appreciate the outdoors.
The adventurous journey part of the DofE allows students to learn how their actions affect the environment, develop teamwork and improve their physical health. OWIS Nanyang students train for this part of the award with full day hikes, orienteering workshops, and a ‘practice’ expedition, before embarking on their assessed adventurous journey in an area of natural wilderness.
Student’s Responsibilities
It is up to the student to commit the time and energy to completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Once registered with the Online Record Book (ORB), students start planning activities to meet each section’s standard requirements.
An assessor will vouch for the completion of the activities the student records, provide mentorship and give constructive feedback for working towards the ultimate goal.
Setting goals, tracking progress and keeping up with activities is up to the participant. Students must spend one hour a week on service, skill and physical recreation.
The DofE allows students to use an online record book that automatically calculates time requirements, keeps a tally and notifies the individual upon completion.
Outcomes for OWIS Students
As a result of participating in the DofE, OWIS students demonstrate greater proficiency in life skills, such as:
- self-confidence
- emotion-related self-regulation
- resilience and determination
- ability to create bonds and communicate well
- leadership skills
- creativity
- adaptability
- planning and problem-solving
- civic and intercultural competence
Impact of the Award
Students who participate in the DofE at OWIS impact their peers, the community and the world positively. Other life-long impacts of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award include:
- Improved emotional well-being and quality of life
- Lifetime engagement with charities and community causes
- Positive impact on the environment
- Better social and community cohesion
Lifelong Love of Learning at OWIS Nanyang
At OWIS Nanyang, our goal is to provide students with a skill-based education so that they can thrive in a global economy and become well-rounded adults.
We welcome parents and young people to tour our school where we provide the IB and Cambridge IGCSE pathway and experience an exciting learning environment.
