Dubai schools offering the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Dubai schools constantly are coming up with new ways to improve their offerings as educationists and academicians believe that learning should not be confined to the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme mentioned on most school websites is one small step in that regard. Named after Prince Philip, the world’s leading youth achievement award has grown in popularity rapidly and is now running in over 130 countries worldwide. Likewise, you will find the Duke of Edinburgh Award in schools in Dubai as an integral part of the curriculum.
ABOUT THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE) is a unique activity for students aged 14 to 24. It is a learning framework, more in the form of non-formal education. The purpose is to celebrate young minds’ achievements while enhancing fitness levels, developing transferable skills and giving students a sense of adventure and volunteering.
Each student can design a bespoke programme. Hence, everyone is competing with themselves. The overall aim of DofE is to improve your capabilities and challenge your boundaries.
Prince Philip believed in the infinite potential of young people, and he was a pioneer in non-formal education and learning. This award ensures that The Duke’s vision will grow for many years.
Overall, there are three categories of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and four sections:
- Bronze – for children over 14 years old (minimum participation of six months)
- Silver – for young people over 15 years old (minimum participation 12 months)
- Gold – for those over 16 years old (minimum participation 18 months)
Participants get a Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award upon completing the tasks successfully.
Depending on age, one can directly start at the Silver or Gold level. You can accomplish the Silver level in 6 months if you have completed the Bronze level. At the same time, Silver holders can attain Gold status in a year.
To get an award, you have to go through some specific activities in the following areas:
- Helping the community/environment
- Adventurous journey
- Developing new skills
- Planning, training for and completing an expedition or exploration
The Duke of Edinburgh Award gold participants must complete a Gold Residential Project conducted over at least five days and four nights. The project can be:
- Personal training courses
- Environment and conservation projects
- Service to other people and communities
- Activity-based
The operating educational institutes can tailor each programme within the framework of the award. This allows young people to acquire new skills, volunteer for the less fortunate, develop a sense of adventure and become physically active.
Dubai schools licenced for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme have developed customised programs that suit the needs of students in the UAE. This has undoubtedly bettered the programme and enhanced the Duke of Edinburgh Award benefits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN DUBAI SCHOOLS LICENCED FOR THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL AWARD PROGRAMME?
Extra-curricular activities are as important as class learning today. More and more academic programs include outdoor and community-based activities, giving students a well-rounded approach to life. Students at Dubai schools licenced for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme learn life-long lessons during these projects. The entire task prepares them for an unknown future.
Plus, there is a tangible benefit in the immediate future. While most universities in the UAE and abroad consider grades an essential factor, co-curricular activities also determine the fate of your admission application. Students who demonstrate excellent teamwork and leadership skills in the programme have an advantage in the admission process.
Most employers seek individuals with a multifaceted learning experience and this is where the Duke of Edinburgh Award benefits come in handy.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD IN SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
Different educational institutes are granted Independent Award Centre (IAC) rights to operate DofE. Here is a list of Dubai schools licenced for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme.
- Cambridge International School, Dubai
- GEMS Metropole School
- GEMS Wellington International School
- GEMS Founders School Dubai
- GEMS Modern Academy
- GEMS New Millennium School
- GEMS Founders School Al Barsha
- GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis
- GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail
- GEMS Firstpoint School
- GEMS World Academy
- Ambassador School
- Brighton College Dubai
- Deira International School
- Dubai College
- Dubai British School Jumeirah Park
- Dubai English Speaking College
- Dubai American Academy
- Dubai International Academy
- Dubai International Academy (Al Barsha)
- Emirates International School (Jumeirah and Meadows)
- Greenfield Community School
- Horizon International School
- Hartland International School
- Jebel Ali School
- JSS International School
- Jumeira Baccalaureate School
- Jumeirah College
- Jumeirah English Speaking College
- Kent College
- Kings School
- Nord Anglia International School
- International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba
- North London Collegiate
- Raffles International School
- Raffles Academy
- Repton Dubai
- Safa Community School
- Sunmarke School
- Swiss International
- Dubai British School
- The Sheffield Private School
- The Aquila School
- The English College
- The Winchester School
- Uptown International School
Enrolling your child in any of the Dubai Schools licensed for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme is an excellent idea to secure their success in the years to come.
FAQS
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR BRITISH SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?
Check out the list of top British schools in Dubai that you can consider for your ward. You can also read our guides to schools in Dubai to find the perfect fit for your little one.
WHICH DUBAI NEIGHBOURHOODS HAVE THE BEST SCHOOLS?
Dubai is a leading trading and business hub. But, the city has no shortage of quality schools. There are plenty of Dubai residential areas with top schools nearby, making it easier for families to find an institute offering the curriculum of their choice. Dubai School Project might interest you if you are looking for government schools.
This concludes our overview of the Duke Edinburgh International Award Programme – a unique project that enriches the experiences of every participant. The award program equips students with soft skills and enhances their cognitive development. Hence, it is being offered by many top schools in Dubai.
Visit MyBayut to learn more about schools and nurseries across the UAE.
