Why the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Still Matters
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As education continues to evolve, schools are increasingly focused on helping students develop confidence, independence and practical life skills alongside academic achievement. One programme that continues to play an important role in this space is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Leading organisations, such as Absolute Adventure, work with schools to deliver the Award locally and internationally, seeing first-hand how powerful experiential learning can be when it is carefully planned and thoughtfully delivered.
The Value of the Award in Modern Education
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award supports young people aged 14 to 24 to develop through volunteering, physical activity, skills development and an adventurous journey. At Gold level, participants also complete a residential experience.
What continues to make the Award relevant is its focus on personal progress. Students set goals, work consistently towards them and reflect on what they learn, building confidence and self belief through real responsibility rather than competition.
Why the Adventurous Journey Matters
The adventurous journey is often the most impactful element of the Award. It places students in unfamiliar environments where teamwork, communication and problem solving become essential.
Providers with extensive expedition experience, including Absolute Adventure, recognise the importance of allowing students genuine independence. Young people need space to make decisions and learn from challenges, while still being supported through careful planning and oversight.
What Good DofE Delivery Looks Like
Effective delivery of the Award is built around progression, variety and challenge. Bronze and Silver expeditions should help students develop practical skills and confidence, while Gold expeditions offer a deeper level of responsibility and independence.
Strong programmes provide a choice of hiking and kayaking routes and, at Gold level, opportunities to take part in overseas expeditions that broaden students’ perspectives and experiences.
Putting These Principles into Practice
Absolute Adventure applies these principles through a wide range of Bronze and Silver and Gold expeditions in destinations such as the UAE, Oman, Norway, Bulgaria and Nepal.
To support independence while maintaining safety, Absolute Adventure uses a custom made network of GPS and radio tracking systems. This allows expedition teams to monitor location and key data discreetly, ensuring students can remain independent while knowing expert support is always close by.
A Lasting Impact
When delivered well, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award helps young people develop confidence, resilience and responsibility that extend well beyond their time on expedition. It remains a valuable framework for schools looking to support holistic student development.
Get in Touch
For schools and organisations exploring the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Absolute Adventure works closely with educators to deliver carefully planned and engaging expedition experiences.
To find out more, contact
info@absolute-adventure.com