For over a decade, The British International School Abu Dhabi has proudly participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE), fostering resilience, leadership, and community engagement among students. This year marks a milestone as we celebrate our first cohort of Gold Award achievers, alongside our largest-ever number of participants.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?
Founded by HRH Prince Philip, the DofE empowers young people aged 14-24 through three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level challenges participants across Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and an Expedition, with Gold requiring an additional Residential component. With its global reach in over 130 countries, the DofE has impacted millions of young people, equipping them with essential life skills.
Why DofE Matters at BIS Abu Dhabi
The DofE aligns with BIS Abu Dhabi’s vision of “Empowering & Enriching Lives for Future Success.” It fosters independence, teamwork, and resilience – values that resonate with the school’s core principles of Kindness, Honesty, and Respect. Research highlights the programme’s life-changing impact, boosting confidence, well-being, and ambition in young people.
This year, participation has soared, with 111 Bronze and 99 Silver students taking on the challenge. Our first-ever Gold cohort will complete their final Adventurous Journey in the jungles of Sabah, Borneo, marking a defining moment for our school.
A Year of Achievements
From November’s Practice Journeys and January’s qualifying expeditions in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah to ongoing Volunteering, Physical, and Skills activities, students have demonstrated remarkable perseverance. With the support of dedicated teachers, they are developing key attributes for future success.
As we approach the prestigious Gold Award ceremony, BIS Abu Dhabi continues to champion the DofE, empowering students to become confident, compassionate global citizens.
