Completing The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an amazing feat under ordinary circumstances, but to attain this prestigious award during the pandemic is truly remarkable. For Grade 10 Trafalgar student, Tiana M., nothing was going to stand in her way of attaining the Award.
According to their website, “The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education and learning framework which recognizes and celebrates young people’s achievements outside of the classroom. [1]” The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze is the first of three levels that students can complete once they turn 14. For each level, participants have to complete the requirements of each of the four sections: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey.
The Bronze Award needs a minimum of three months for completion and all activities are organized independently by the student. Tiana accumulated her Physical recreation component by learning how to row and improving her fitness through personal training. The Skills section was achieved through Tiana’s participation in the School Choir and the School Show, while the Service section was completed by volunteering at the YMCA and through peer tutoring. She completed her Adventurous Journey, which encourages a spirit of adventure and discovery, by winter camping at Smyth Lake.
“By creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure, the Award can play a critical role in their development,” the website states [1]. Tiana enjoyed the experience of working towards the Bronze Level and has already made plans to start working towards achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Level. Congratulations Tiana!