Duke of Edinburgh International Award | Deira International School | Al-Futtaim, UAE

Duke of Edinburgh Award

 

A Globally Recognised Framework

Year 10s earn their Bronze. IB1 students go for Silver. Our DofE programme runs across four areas (skill, physical, service and an Adventurous Journey), with expeditions into the Hatta Mountains, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. In 2023–24 alone, 26 of our students earned Bronze and 8 earned Silver. 

At Deira International School, we offer the DoFE Award, which challenges students to grow beyond their comfort zones, build essential life skills, develop confidence and resilience, and embrace meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.


A Programme with Real Impact

The Award is closely aligned with DIS values such as Respect, Excellence, Collaboration and Integrity, and supports wider learning programmes including the IB, helping students develop key personal skills that are valued by universities, employers and communities worldwide.

At DIS, the Award is offered to students in:

  • Year 10 — Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
  • IB1 — Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award

Through the programme, our students choose activities across the Award’s four core areas:

  • Skill development — nurturing talents and broadening abilities
  • Physical recreation — improving fitness and wellbeing
  • Voluntary service — giving back to the community
  • Adventurous Journey — planning, training for and completing an expedition challenge with peers
Students begin their journey with an overview session in Year 9 before they commit in Year 10. 

Structured and Supported Progression

Once enrolled, participants use the Online Record Book (ORB) to set goals, track progress and upload evidence for each section of their Award. This structured approach teaches planning, reflection and accountability, essential skills for personal and professional success.

Adventurous Journeys and Real Experiences

A highlight of the Award at DIS is the Adventurous Journey, where students apply resilience, teamwork and outdoor skills. These journeys take place in challenging natural environments, from local terrain to areas such as the Hatta Mountains or Fujairah, and involve navigation, camping and expedition teamwork.

  • Hatta Mountains Expedition - This rugged terrain tests navigation skills, teamwork and endurance in a real outdoor challenge.
  • Fujairah Adventurous Journeys - The terrain here, with mountainous gradients and natural landscapes, provides varied conditions for students to plan routes, manage camp craft and build resilience in different environments.
  • Ras Al Khaimah Practice Journey - These journeys often serve as preparation before students undertake their qualifying expedition as part of the Award.
Skills for life

Participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award equips students with capabilities that go far beyond school:

  • Enhanced confidence and self-awareness
  • Improved problem-solving and planning skills
  • Greater independence and resilience
  • A stronger sense of community contribution
  • An internationally recognised credential that enriches university and career pathways

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