The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognized program for young people aged 14–24, empowers our students at ISS to find their purpose, place, and passion in the world while developing skills that last a lifetime.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (often called “The Duke” or “DofE”) is the world’s leading youth achievement program, operating in more than 120 countries. Founded in 1956, the Award helps young people discover their strengths through non-formal education and experiential learning.
Participants work towards achieving Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels by committing to personal growth in four core areas: Fitness, Service, Skill, and the Expedition. Along the way, they build resilience, teamwork, independence, and a sense of responsibility, skills that prepare them for success in life, education, and future careers.
ISS is a licensed Award Centre through the German Award Association, offering the program at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels for students in Grades 9–11. Our dedicated team of teachers and volunteers supports students throughout their journey, helping them select activities, develop skills, and prepare for their expedition adventures.
At ISS, the Award is more than a certificate, it’s a chance to experience personal growth, teamwork, and leadership while embracing challenge and adventure.
Four Pillars of the Award
Each level of the Award includes participation in four key components that encourage self-reliance and community engagement.
Fitness (Physical Recreation)
Students set personal fitness goals and commit to regular physical activity that builds stamina and perseverance.
Skill
Students pursue a personal interest or hobby, gaining confidence and expertise in areas that inspire them.
Service
Participants volunteer their time to benefit others, through community service, mentoring, or school initiatives, developing empathy and social responsibility.
Expedition
A highlight of the program, the expedition challenges students to plan, train for, and complete multi-day hikes in small groups, testing teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving.
Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award helps ISS students develop essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and independence. As they work toward their goals in service, fitness, and skill, students learn to balance responsibility with initiative, building confidence through meaningful experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. The Award also provides an internationally recognized credential that strengthens university and career applications, while fostering a lifelong commitment to personal growth and community engagement.
Throughout the program, students are guided and supported by trained teachers and volunteers who help them select appropriate challenges, prepare for expeditions, and reflect on their progress. Practice expeditions ensure participants are ready to navigate the challenges of independent travel during their final expedition. In small groups, students work collaboratively, relying on teamwork and problem-solving while hiking without electronic devices—an empowering experience that builds trust, self-reliance, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
