Our children’s mental and physical health and social-emotional well-being is very important for their overall personal and academic success. That is why MSF introduced The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (IA) in the Secondary School. In the first year, the Bronze Level will be offered to our G9 students. We are planning to offer the Silver and Gold levels in successive years. The MSF Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme is coordinated by Dr. Santandrea (DofE Coordinator), with Ms Chute, Mrs Francis, Mr Francis, and supported by Ms Brazell, Ms Walker and Mr Kerr. There are four parts to the IA which participants need to complete: Physical Recreation, Skill, Service and the Expedition (Adventurous Journey):

• Service: doing something good for others without getting paid: for a special person, for the school, our community, society, the environment or for animals.
• Skills: this section is about dreaming big. Is there something students always wanted to be able to do? The aim of this element is to learn something new and improve in a non-sporting activity.
• Fitness: In the fitness part of the Award, students can choose any type of sport, including dancing, individual and fitness sports. Anything that requires physical exercise for at least one hour a week aiming at progressive targets from week to week. 
• Expedition: The expedition part of the Award is about independently planning and carrying out an unaccompanied 2-day expedition to a specific destination in a group of 4-7 participants. Teachers follow and observe the group, but do not lead the group.

 The Award involves a full school year’s commitment to complete the required sections and students track their progress using an online record book. Students are supported through their IA with one timetabled class per week, some afternoons for expedition practice with their Award Leaders and with After School Clubs. For the Adventurous Journeys, the participants MUST be available on the specified dates, which will be communicated in advance.  The DofE International Award is an excellent preparation for the CAS component of the IB Diploma programme, as well as a widely recognised asset for our student’s university applications, especially for the UK.  There are many benefits to participating in the DofE, many of which tie in with the School and IB Learner Profile values. Our students will develop the skills and competencies needed to become confident adults with a strong belief in their own abilities and social awareness enabling them to lead a self-determined and fulfilled life. In particular, these include:

• Confidence and Resilience
• Independence
• Assumption of social responsibility and commitment
• Self-awareness and awareness of strengths and weaknesses
• Ability to learn from and teach others
• New friendships and relationships
• Leadership skills

We look forward to working with our students on this world-renowned adventure!