Duke of Edinburgh's
International Award
At Urban Academy, we encourage Senior School students to participate in the Duke of Ed program as it aligns with our mission to inspire learners to think critically, develop a community mindset and find meaningful ways to contribute.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed) is a globally recognized youth development program designed to help students develop leadership, resilience and real-world skills. Available to Senior School students aged 14–18 (Grades 9–12), the program challenges them to step outside their comfort zones and build lifelong skills in four key areas:
- Volunteer Service – Giving back to the community through volunteer work.
- Skill – Developing a new personal interest or talent.
- Physical Recreation – Engaging in sports and fitness for well-being.
- Adventurous Journey – Exploring the outdoors through teamwork and problem-solving.
- Residential Project (Gold Level Only) – A unique experience living and working in a new community.
Why Participate In The Duke Of Ed?
The Duke of Ed offers students the chance to step outside their comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and create lifelong memories. Through hands-on experiences, students develop:
- Personal Growth & Confidence – Develops independence, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Experiential Learning – Hands-on learning through real-world challenges.
- Community Impact – Encourages students to make meaningful contributions to society.
- Outdoor Exploration – Builds resilience and leadership through adventurous experiences.
- University & Career Advantages – Recognized by post-secondary institutions and employers worldwide.
- A Well-Rounded Perspective – Gain valuable life skills that extend beyond academics and shape future success.
How Urban Academy Supports Duke of Ed Participants
Students don’t just participate—they take the lead. Our Senior School program integrates Duke of Ed opportunities into existing extracurriculars, leadership initiatives and outdoor education programs.
- Volunteer & Leadership Opportunities – Urban Academy offers built-in community service initiatives.
- Adventurous Journey Support – We help coordinate expeditions and outdoor experiences.
- A Culture of Achievement – While milestones are celebrated within the school community, the true reward is the personal growth, resilience, and lifelong memories each student gains.
Whether it’s through school clubs, athletics or community engagement, Urban Academy students have built-in support to excel in the Duke of Ed Award.
Levels & Requirements
Students progress through three award levels. Each level builds on the last, allowing students to challenge themselves further while gaining valuable experiences.
Bronze
- Designed for beginners to explore new interests and develop essential life skills
- Ages: 14+
- Commitment: 6 months
Silver
- Builds on Bronze, with greater challenges in leadership and independence
- Ages: 15+
- Commitment: 12 months
Gold
- Highest level, focusing on resilience, global awareness, and leadership
- Ages: 16+
- Commitment: 18 months
The Duke of Ed is all about exploration, growth, and making an impact. Each level of the program is designed to challenge students in key areas—whether it’s giving back to the community, building new skills, staying active, or embracing outdoor adventure.
To complete the award, students will take on meaningful experiences in the following areas:
Volunteer Service
Challenge yourself to make a positive difference in your community. Students give back to their community by volunteering in areas like mentorship, environmental initiatives, or local charities, building compassion and leadership.
Skill
Challenge yourself to improve your skills and widen your interests. Whether learning a new language, coding, cooking or playing an instrument, students cultivate valuable skills that foster creativity, confidence, and independence. The activity must be passive and/or non-athletic.
Physical Recreation
Challenge yourself to improve your health and fitness, whatever your starting point. Through activities like basketball, swimming, or yoga, students develop fitness, discipline, and perseverance while striving to reach personal goals.
Adventurous Journey
Challenge yourself in planning, preparing and undertaking a journey with a group of peers. Students embark on outdoor expeditions like hiking, kayaking, or camping, developing teamwork and resilience while navigating real-world challenges. For example, they may plan and complete a multi-day trek, practicing leadership and problem-solving in unfamiliar environments.
Gold Project
Challenge yourself to work with new people towards a common goal in an unfamiliar setting. Students step outside their comfort zone by engaging in a multi-day experience, such as a leadership camp or cultural exchange, fostering independence and global awareness. Participants must be at least 16 to begin any aspect of the Gold level.