2026 2027 DofE Participants & Parents Information Booklet by BSAK Abu Dhabi

FUN & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

RESILIENCE & PERSEVERANCE

DUKE OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL AWARD AT BSAK

CONTENTS 4

INTRODUCTION Introducing the award The value of the award The BSAK Team

10 12

DURATION & AWARD STRUCTURE Duration of each award Structure of each award

SECTION ACTIVITIES Section Activity Ideas Smart Goals Online Record Book

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY (AJ) Requirements Training Safety & Supervision Team Goal Gold Qualifying AJ - Kenya 2

GOLD RESIDENTIAL PROJECT Requirements Examples

MORE INFORMATION Pricing Dates Contacts & Useful Numbers Celebration

RESPONSIBILITIES & SAFETY Roles Policies & Procedures

Duke of Edinburgh

CONTENTS

PARTICIPANTS & PARENTS INFORMATION BOOKLET WHAT IS THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL AWARD? The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE) is a globally recognised youth development programme that empowers young people aged 14–24 to build life skills, resilience, conﬁdence, and leadership through a structured framework of personal challenge and service. Founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, the Award now runs in over 130 countries and territories, with millions of participants worldwide. By completing activities in Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills and the Adventurous Journey (plus a Residential Project at Gold), participants develop perseverance, independence, and a strong sense of social responsibility - qualities valued by universities, employers, and communities alike.

What is the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award?

Duke of Edinburgh

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at BSAK! Whether you're just starting Bronze or preparing for Gold, you're about to take part in a programme that challenges, empowers, and transforms. We’re here to support you every step of the way - enjoy the journey!

There are three progressive levels of the Award: ● ● ●

Bronze: Introductory level Silver: Builds on Bronze with more challenge Gold: The most demanding and prestigious level

Each level includes time spent on Volunteering, Physical, and Skills activities, plus an Adventurous Journey. Gold adds a Residential experience.

Mrs Fiona Owles Lead Coordinator

Level

Age

Duration

Sections

Bronze

14+

6 months

Silver

15+

6 - 12 months

Volunteering, Physical Recreation, Skills, Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey

Gold

16+

12 - 18 months

Residential Project - Gold only

VALUE OF THE AWARD At BSAK, DofE is more than just a certiﬁcate - it’s a key part of our commitment to developing well-rounded, courageous and compassionate individuals. With expert guidance, strong pastoral support and a culture of challenge, participants thrive through the experience.

LINKING TO UNIVERSITY/PERSONAL STATEMENTS D of E International Award is recognised globally as a mark of resilience, leadership, and commitment, making it a powerful addition to university applications and personal statements. It provides a genuine talking point in interviews, showcasing transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Completing higher levels - particularly Gold - demonstrates long-term dedication and the ability to balance academic demands with wider responsibilities, qualities that admissions teams and future employers highly value.

Through DofE, participants learn to: ● Take initiative ● Lead and collaborate ● Give back to their communities ● Push through challenges

MEET THE TEAM Fiona Owles Award Coordinator

Sam Hutchinson & Kelly Box Assistant Coordinators

MEET THE TEAM AWARD LEADERS Ms Hunkin Mr Gilmartin Miss Mell Mrs Khan Mr Bertrand Ms McConnell Mr Cooper Mr Richards Mrs Austin Smith

DURATION

BRONZE ●

●

Physical Recreation, Skills & Voluntary Service: 13 weeks (3 months) each AND an extra 13 weeks (3 months) in one of the following: Physical Recreation; or Skills; or Voluntary Service. Adventurous Journey: 2 days / 1 night (Practice & Qualifying).

SILVER ● ●

●

Physical Recreation, Skills & Voluntary Service: 26 weeks (6 months) each. Non Bronze holders must do an extra 26 weeks (6 months) in one of the following: Physical Recreation; or Skills; or Voluntary Service. Adventurous Journey: 3 days / 2 nights (Practice & Qualifying).

GOLD ● ●

● ●

Physical Recreation, Skills & Voluntary Service: 52 weeks (12 months) each. Non Silver holders must do an extra 26 weeks (6 months) in one of the following: Physical Recreation; or Skills; or Voluntary Service. Adventurous Journey: 4 days / 3 nights (Practice & Qualifying). Residential Project: 5 days / 4 nights.

AWARD STRUCTURE

To successfully complete each level of the Award, participants must: Choose one activity for each section (Physical Recreation, Skills & Voluntary Service). Attend activity for at least 1 hour per week every week. There must be no missed weeks. If activity has breaks (e.g. school holidays) the participants must work with Section Assessor to find independent tasks to complete during the those periods (e.g. gym to maintain fitness, practice instrument, create resources/ videos to use in voluntary service, research). Find Section Assessor for each activity ● Assessors should be non-family adults with relevant experience and expertise. . ● Assessors should mentor and guide in order to achieve the SMART goal. ● Assessors will write a short report once all logs on the ORB are completed. Set SMART goals for each section with Award Leader & Section Assessor. Attend weekly meetings with Award Leader. Log weekly progress on the Online Record Book for EACH section activity to show progress towards SMART goal. Complete all expedition training and attend Practice AND Qualifying Adventurous Journeys. Submit final assessor reports for all sections via ORB. Finish all sections by the set school deadline.

The Award is about commitment over time — regular effort matters more than intensity.

Gold ONLY : Organise and complete an approved Residential Project. 11

SECTION ACTIVITY IDEAS

PHYSICAL RECREATION ● ● ● ● ●

SKILL ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Cooking or baking Photography or videography Creative arts (e.g. drawing, cross stitch). Musical instrument/ singing Performing arts Debating or public speaking Sports related e.g. leadership, coaching and ofﬁciating Art, painting or creative writing. Coding, programming or robotics. Chess or strategy games. Language learning (Arabic, Spanish, French.) Animal identiﬁcation, bird watching

● ●

Team sports: football, rugby, netball, basketball. Individual sports: tennis, swimming, athletics. Martial arts: judo, karate, taekwondo. Fitness training: gym, CrossFit, yoga, pilates. Dance: ballet, hip-hop, contemporary. Running, cycling, or hiking. Rowing, sailing, or water sports.

Activities can be focused on supporting future career choices Medicine Performing Arts Volunting: Junior MedSoc Physical: BSME Dance Skills: extended ﬁrst aid course Skill: Acting - LAMDA Gold Residential: Pre-med Camp Volunteering: School Show

Coursework or curriculum components CANNOT be counted as DofE activities.

SECTION ACTIVITY IDEAS VOLUNTARY SERVICE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Library Creche Sports clubs & teams Peer mentoring or tutoring - cannot be a family member. Supporting SEN or EAL departments Supporting subjects departments Environmental projects (beach clean-ups, recycling drives) - must be on a weekly/ biweekly basis Animal rescue centres Community service with local organisations Online citizen scientist projects

Primary CCEs Secondary CCEs Sustainability Club Law Society Charity Committee F1 in Schools Inclusion D of E Online Citizen Scientist Projects

Citizen Science Projects These projects let you contribute to real scientiﬁc research. Zooniverse Website: https://www.zooniverse.org What you'll do: Choose from a huge variety of projects, like identifying animals in camera trap photos, spotting galaxies in space, or studying immune cells in medical images. Smithsonian Website: https://transcription.si.edu/ What you'll do: Help transcribe historical documents, diaries, and ledgers from the Smithsonian's massive collection. National Geographic Website: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-sci ence-projects/ What you'll do: Join projects that measure things like night sky brightness, snow depth, and the life cycles of plants. British Antarctic Survey: Walrus from Space Website: https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/walrus-from-space/ What you'll do: Look at satellite images and help scientists count walruses to understand how climate change is affecting them. NASA: Sungrazer Project Website: https://sungrazer.nrl.navy.mil/ What you'll do: Help NASA astronomers discover new comets in images sent back from space.

SECTION ACTIVITIES SMART GOALS

Role of the Section Activity Assessor Role: to guide & mentor the participant throughout their activity. Please see Guidance Award Section Activity Assessors.pdf for more information about details about the role.

SMART GOAL REQUIREMENTS SMART goals are set for each activity. SMART goals must be suitable for required time frame (depending on award level) and reﬂect 1 hour per week of activity. SMART goals must be discussed, to ensure they are appropriate, with Section Assessor. SMART goals must be approved by Award Leader. SMART goals added to ORB. Weekly logs on ORB should reﬂect progress being made towards SMART goals. 14

EXAMPLE SMART GOALS SKILL I will spend the next year developing my understanding of Artiﬁcial Intelligence, by completing an online course, which will include research (through reading articles & papers, watching videos, and listening to experts on podcasts) and working on deliverables (working on projects, making videos, writing articles etc). I will dedicate an hour a week to completing this course, and aim to have created 2 short and 1 long-term deliverable by the end of the 12 months. I will receive a certiﬁcate of completion at the end of the course.

PHYSICAL RECREATION To train for at least an hour a week with my squad to improve my team cohesion and team-related play, which will be assessed using a 3-part measure (goals scored/clean sheets, assists, team outcome) to determine an overall grade which will be agreed upon with my assessor, as well as to take part in at least 10 competitive football games over the course of 6 months.

VOLUNTARY SERVICE I will spend the next year volunteering for a series of extra-curricular activities supporting the learning and development of children in primary school. These activities will take the form of arts and crafts sessions. I will spend an hour a week assisting the lead teacher with their sessions, and will support and guide the children to the best of my ability, which will be measured through the teacher’s satisfaction with my assistance.

SECTION ACTIVITIES SMART GOALS

SECTION ACTIVITIES ONLINE RECORD BOOK USING THE ORB (ONLINE RECORD BOOK) ●

Add contact details of activity assessor.

●

Log weekly activities - write at least 2-3 sentences to showcase what you did in each session & progress towards your goal.

●

During holidays or other periods when you are not physically with your assessor plan ahead what you will be doing to keep progressing towards your goal.

●

Upload photos, videos or short notes as evidence.

●

Once completed your D of E Supervisor will check your logs.

●

Submit activity to Section Assessor so they can write their report.

●

Mark a section "ready for approval" when ﬁnished.

ONLINE

EXAMPLE LOG

ONLINE

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY (AJ) The Adventurous Journey (AJ) is a team-based, self-sufﬁcient outdoor expedition designed to build resilience, independence, teamwork, and leadership. It’s not a race but an opportunity to embrace challenge and adventure, learning through experience. By working as a team, overcoming physical and mental challenges, and developing practical outdoor skills, participants gain conﬁdence, resilience, and independence while creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

AJ REQUIREMENTS Bronze: 2 days, 1 night, ~6 hours of planned activity daily. Silver: 3 days, 2 nights, ~7 hours of planned activity daily. Gold: 4 days, 3 nights, ~8 hours of planned activity daily. The AJ must be unaccompanied and self-sufﬁcient (with remote supervision). Participants complete their AJs in groups of between 4-7. Together, they must plan their hike, plot their map, navigate the terrain, and support each other while hiking. In the evenings, participants camp together (boys and girls separately) and prepare their own food which they must bring with them. See this example Menu Planner.pdf UAE based trips are run by North Star in areas such as Fossil Rock, the Dibba Mountains, and Al Khatim Desert. Gold Qualifying Journey is run overseas by Camps International. Participants will be assessed against this criteria on their Qualifying AJ Criteria can be accessed here: Qualifying AJ Assessment Criteria.pdf Participants must have Section Activity logs up to date in order to participate in the AJ’s. 19

AJ TRAINING

Weekly meetings held during set times after school. Opportunity to ask questions, share progress, and get support. Sessions are delivered by BSAK staff with D of E International Award qualifications. Attendance is compulsory. Before the AJs participants complete training in first aid, navigation, campcraft, route planning, and outdoor teamwork. They learn emergency procedures, map reading with compasses, tent pitching, cooking, hygiene, and risk awareness (e.g. dehydration, minor injuries, weather, emergencies). Practice Journey allows participants to make mistakes, reflect and learn, so they can show competence, independence, and teamwork during the Qualifying Journey.

AJ SUPERVISION & SAFETY

Participants are supervised by staff from school and our service provider. Participants plan their route in training sessions before the AJ. Checkpoints are set up every few kilometers where participants must physically sign in. They are able to rest and eat, and their emergency phone batteries and trackers are checked by staff. Each group is provided with an emergency phone. Each participant receives an Emergency Protocol Sheet with steps to follow in case of an emergency. Each participant must pack their own backpack with appropriate kit, gear and food. Example kit lists can be found here: Bronze Kit List.pdf Silver Kit List.pdf

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

DofE Emergency Safety Card.pdf - participants will be given a copy of this prior to the Adventurous Journey and must keep it on them at all times. Stove Safety Instructions.pdf

Gold Practice (Desert) Kit List.pdf A separate kit list will be shared later for the Gold Qualifying AJ. 21

AJ TEAM GOAL

Participants are required to undertake a Practice AJ and a Qualifying AJ. All Adventurous Journeys are comprised of two elements: a Journey and a clearly deﬁned SMART Team Goal.

Example AJ Team Goal Our goal is to create an artistic information leaflet about the contrasting flora and fauna found in the coastal and non-coastal areas we pass along the journey. For primary data collection of the flora and fauna; we will record the amount and type of species we see (i.e. 3 beetles in a specific area), take the coordinates of where on the journey we see them, and take notes on their behaviour, characteristics and surrounding environment. Our range of artistic techniques will be; sketches of fauna, flora and aspects of the environment (e.g. animal tracks) in the present moment, leaf pressing, watercolour paintings and photographs. We aim to use as much influence of the natural environment as possible to create the art for the leaflet. When we finish the adventurous journey, we will use the apps, MERLIN and SEEK, as well as government websites to identify the animals and plants we recorded so that we can label them in the leaflet. Then using digital graphic techniques, we will organise and present all the data into a leaflet using the apps, Adobe Illustrator, Goodnotes and ProCreate.

GOLD QUALIFYING ONLY ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY MAURITIUS 2027 Last week of summer term The Gold Award Qualifying Adventurous Journey is run by North Star, a premier expedition provider with over 25 years of experience. BSAK is proud to have been one of the very ﬁrst schools to partner with them, ensuring a safe, expert-led and highly rewarding outdoor adventure. Students will spend a total of 8 nights in Mauritius, allowing time to prepare for the Adventurous Journey, complete a community project at a local school and enjoy some downtime exploring the island and experiencing its culture. The Qualifying Adventurous Journey itself will involve a rewarding 4-day, 3-night trek, with 8 hours of purposeful activity each day. It is an incredible opportunity to develop key expedition skills, teamwork and resilience while trekking through the spectacular Mauritian landscape.

GOLD AWARD ONLY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT At least four nights and ﬁve consecutive days usually undertaken in the summer holidays between Year 12 and 13. Residential Project is arranged independently of school at and any additional costs are paid by parents.

Residential Project Assessors will assess against these four criteria: 1. Personal standards (application, punctuality and so on) 2. Relationship with others on the activity 3. Willingness to show initiative and take responsibility 4. Level of effort and commitment to the project

Participants are required to undertake a shared purposeful activity where the majority are not their usual colleagues or friends and in an unfamiliar residential setting e.g. away from their home or other locations where they have already undertaken their Award activities.

GOLD AWARD ONLY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT Example Residential Project BSAK participants have undertaken Mai Thai course in Bangkok Outward Bound Camp in Malaysia Coral restoration in Zanzibar Summer School in US Language School in Switzerland Pre-Med Summer Camp in UK Forestry School in UK Duke of Edinburgh Opportunity Finder lists a wide range of providers offering UK and internationally based Gold Residential Projects - accessible here

PARTICIPANTS Participants are responsible for their own Award journey. This means setting realistic goals, keeping to deadlines, attending meetings, and regularly updating the Online Record Book. Commitment and perseverance are key - the Award only works if participants take ownership.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY SUPERVISORS & SCHOOL CONTACT On Adventurous Journeys, supervisors ensure safety and provide emergency support, but they do not lead the groups - participants must be self-sufﬁcient. Within school, a named staff contact oversees overall organisation and communication, ensuring everyone knows where to go with questions.

PARENTS Parents provide encouragement and practical support (e.g. transport, reminders, helping source activities). However, the Award should remain participant-led - parents should avoid “doing it for them.” Allow participants to face challenges and learn from them.

AWARD LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS Award Leaders (BSAK staff) guide, mentor, and check progress. Volunteers may also support training and supervision. Their role is to advise and facilitate, not to complete tasks on behalf of participants.

ACTIVITY ASSESSORS Assessors are independent adults with relevant experience (e.g. coaches, instructors, music teachers). They conﬁrm that participants have committed for the required time and made progress. At the end of each section, they write a short report online - this is essential for sign-off. 26

POLICIES, PROCEDURES & SAFETY MEDICAL & CONSENT FORMS Parents must keep the school Nurses up to date on any changes to their child’s medical needs including important medications. Before each trip, the Trip Lead meets with the Head Nurse to review the medical needs of all participants attending the adventurous journey. Parents will be required to sign a Consent Form providing permission for their child to partake in the Award Programme and committing to pay the respective fees and committing to attending both Adventurous Journeys.

INSURANCE & RISK ASSESSMENT When students represent BSAK at events or participate in local trips, the school does not provide separate medical insurance coverage. We assume that all students are UAE residents and are therefore covered by their sponsor's medical insurance. It is important therefore that parents review the terms of their medical insurance, as some UAE insurance policies may not cover certain sports or activities, and parents may need to enhance their cover accordingly. The only exception is for overseas trips, where BSAK will provide travel insurance that covers medical expenses. In this case, the coverage details will be shared with parents along with other trip information for conﬁrmed participants. Comprehensive risk assessments are carried out for every trip to ensure student safety. Parents and participants will be briefed on the main risks and the safety measures in place.

CODE OF CONDUCT The BSAK Behaviour Policy and Procedures apply to all Duke of Edinburgh activities at all times including on Adventurous Journeys.

SAFEGUARDING & INCLUSION BSAK is committed to safeguarding and child protection throughout the Award. Staff are trained in safeguarding procedures, and all activities are risk-assessed. The Award is inclusive: adjustments and support are provided where needed so every student has the opportunity to succeed.

KIT DAMAGE / LOST EQUIPMENT Participants are responsible for any kit borrowed from the school. Lost or damaged equipment may need to be replaced or repaired at the participant’s expense. Looking after equipment is part of the learning experience of independence and responsibility.

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT In the event of an emergency, staff follow a clear Incident Management Plan. Supervisors carry communication devices and safety equipment. Parents will be contacted by the school as soon as appropriate, once the immediate situation is managed. 27

PRICING The cost for enrolment in the programme will be communicated to you in a letter. The price includes Duke of Edinburgh International Award participant registration fee, certificate and badge, service provider fees (North Star/ Camps International), and travel costs. Additional expenses to parents include food, equipment and Residential Project (Gold only). BSAK Accounts team will send invoices with final payment details once the number of participants is confirmed. Payments must be made with 14 days.

DATES & DEADLINES Registration opens at the start of the academic year. Parents and participants will be given clear deadlines for form submission and fee payment to ensure smooth enrolment. Weekly Training Sessions: Bronze Practice AJ: 15-16 November 2026 Bronze Qualifying AJ: 18-19 March 2027 Silver (& Gold) Practice AJ: 25-27 October 2026 Silver Qualifying AJ: 31 January - 2 February 2027 Gold (& Silver) Practice AJ: 25-27 October 2026 Gold Qualifying AJ: 27 June - 5 July 2027 (tbc) Section Log Deadlines: Staggered throughout the year to ensure steady progress.

CONTACTS & USEFUL LINKS

DofE IA COORDINATOR CONTACT For all questions about the Award at BSAK, please contact Fiona Owles, DofE Coordinator, via email at fowles@britishschool.sch.ae

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Before expeditions participants will be given key numbers to use during Practice and Qualifying journeys. This ensures clear communication and peace of mind throughout the expedition.

USEFUL LINKS The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Website- accessible here Participant Online Record Book (ORB) accessible here BSAK Trips Instagram Account - accessible here

CELEBRATIONS

At BSAK, we celebrate the achievement of every participant with special Award Evenings, where parents are invited to share in their child’s success. These events are a highlight of the school calendar, recognising not only the certiﬁcates and badges earned but also the resilience, commitment, and personal growth shown along the journey.