Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

GEMS Modern Academy is proud to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, one of the world's leading youth achievement programs, empowering young people aged 14 to 24 years to develop life skills, resilience, leadership, and a sense of global citizenship that helps them become truly #WorldReady.

Founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, the Award has grown into a globally recognized framework for non-formal education and learning, operating in over 144 countries and territories. Through the Award, young people are encouraged to challenge themselves beyond the classroom, discover their potential, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The Award is based on a simple yet powerful philosophy: every young person should have the opportunity to explore their talents, develop new skills, serve others, and experience adventure. Participation is voluntary, personalized, non-competitive, enjoyable, balanced, and achievable, making it one of the most respected youth development programs worldwide.

There are three progressive levels of the Award:

• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold

Participants design their own program, set personal goals, and record their progress across four key sections:

• Service – contributing positively to the community
• Skills – developing new talents and interests
• Physical Recreation – improving health and fitness
• Adventurous Journey – undertaking outdoor expeditions that foster teamwork, perseverance, and leadership

To achieve the prestigious Gold Award, participants must also complete a Residential Project, where they work and live alongside people they have not met before, developing independence, collaboration, and intercultural understanding.

At Modern, the philosophy of the Award aligns seamlessly with the IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program and the ICSE/ISC SUPW framework. As a result, many activities undertaken as part of the Award can also contribute towards CAS and SUPW requirements, enabling students to maximize their personal growth experiences.

Gold Award Excellence: Pushing Beyond Limits

The Gold Award represents the highest level of achievement within the program and challenges participants to push beyond their comfort zones, demonstrating exceptional commitment, courage, and resilience. Our students have consistently embraced these challenges and achieved remarkable milestones.

In recent years, Gold Award participants from Modern have successfully completed expeditions to some of the world's most iconic trekking destinations, including:

• Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
• Annapurna Base Camp (Nepal)

These demanding high-altitude expeditions required months of preparation, physical endurance, mental strength, teamwork, and determination. By trekking through challenging mountain terrain and reaching these globally renowned destinations, our students have demonstrated the very qualities the Award seeks to develop perseverance, leadership, adaptability, and a spirit of adventure.

The program has become a hallmark of student achievement at Modern, with participants earning recognition for their community service initiatives, environmental stewardship projects, leadership roles, outdoor expeditions, and commitment to personal excellence. Award holders join a distinguished global network of young people who have challenged themselves to grow, serve, and lead.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is not simply an award; it is a transformational journey that equips young people with the confidence, character, and skills required to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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