The Duke ofEdinburgh's International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, commonly known as the Duke of Edinburgh Award or simply the DofE Award, is a prestigious youth development program that originated in the United Kingdom. It was founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956 and has since spread to numerous countries around the world, including China.
In China, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award has gained significant popularity and recognition as a leading program for young people aged 14 to 24. The award aims to empower and challenge young individuals by encouraging personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of essential life skills.
Participants in the Duke of Edinburgh Award in China engage in a diverse range of activities across four key areas: volunteering, physical fitness, skills development, and adventurous journeys. These activities are designed to foster resilience, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of adventure among young participants.
Imagine a group of extraordinary students from grades 9, 10, and 11, ready to prove their mettle and embrace the thrill of adventure.
This incredible expedition marks the qualifying journey for the bronze and silver participants of Hiba Academy Shanghai, a beacon of excellence in education.
Discover their true potential
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Yaolin, Hangzhou, in the picturesque month of April 2024, this journey promises to be an experience like no other.
Nestled amidst nature's splendour, our students will discover their true potential and forge unforgettable memories.
The bronze students, brimming with determination, embarked on a two-day, one-night camp that tested their limits. Day one and day two were filled with exhilarating hikes, pushing them to conquer new heights and overcome challenges with unwavering spirit.
But wait, there's more! The silver participants, driven by their insatiable thirst for adventure, embarked on a three-day, two-night camping extravaganza. Every step they took, every trail they conquered, brought them closer to self-discovery and personal growth.
Guided by the expertise of six Indier Instructors and six dedicated staff members serving as award leaders and supervisors, these students were in the best hands, ensuring a safe and transformative experience.
Uncharted Terrain
With six teams, including five bronze and one silver, the air was filled with excitement and camaraderie. Each team embraced the thrill of navigation and mountaineering, equipped with gradient maps to navigate the uncharted terrain.
A cozy haven amidst the wilderness
But that's not all—our young adventurers also honed their culinary skills through camp cooking and mastered the art of setting up tents, creating a cozy haven amidst the wilderness.
Meticulous preparation
But before they could begin their ascent, meticulous preparation was key. The students gathered as a team, their spirits high and their minds focused. Together, they immersed themselves in the art of map planning and compass navigation, meticulously studying the contours of the land and plotting their route.
Every twist and turn, every peak and valley, were carefully considered as they created their route card, a vital tool that would guide them through the mountainous wilderness. With their route card in hand, the students ventured forth into the untamed beauty of Yaolin.
This remarkable journey showcases the unwavering commitment of Hiba Academy Shanghai to foster holistic development and nurture the spirit of exploration within their students. It is a testament to their dedication to providing unparalleled opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Join us as we celebrate these remarkable students who dared to dream, dared to push boundaries, and emerged as shining examples of excellence.
Hiba Academy Shanghai continues to empower young minds, preparing them for a future filled with limitless possibilities. With their backpacks filled to the brim and tents securely fastened, they were ready to conquer the rugged terrain that lay ahead.
Equipped with a strong sense of adventure and a determination to push their limits, they set off on a heavy, elevated journey that would test their mettle.
Over the course of the year, the students have devoted themselves to planning and preparing for their award. They have diligently completed challenge logs, practice journeys, and qualifying journeys.
As a culmination of their efforts, they have effectively demonstrated their team goal through an impactful final presentation.
From our pupils
Adam (G9)
Bronze Award
Stay out of my comfort zone and to exceed my limits
The DofE bronze has been motivating me to challenge myself to stay out of my comfort zone and to exceed my limits, both mentally and physically. For example, in sports, my target for swimming is quite tough, and for the first few weeks, the progress was very little.
Especially when I was sick for a few weeks, and it almost went back to the starting point when I got back. Therefore, the DofE challenge here helps me to keep myself on the right track and not falling back, which I did find very useful and I think I have become a more persevering person in forcing myself to break my boundaries.
Meanwhile, the DofE is also an opportunity to try things that I haven’t experienced before. To take cooking as an example, I’ve never cooked before, and during the journey, there are no backups if we fail to feed ourselves. Furthermore, I did not have an image of real teamwork until we finished the journey. During the hike, every time we reach out to others when people become exhausted, maybe just switch someone to carry the tent, I feel we are connected more than ever, and the feeling of being supported by the whole team is unforgettable.
Lucas (G10)
Bronze Award
We grew more comfortable with each other
I participated in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze Award around October. Initially, I felt nervous and unsure about the trip ahead. However, I quickly realized that both the teachers and fellow students were incredibly kind and supportive. Whenever I needed assistance, I found it easy to seek help, and I even made several new friends during this experience.
Admittedly, keeping the logs was challenging at first. I wasn't aware that we could only log two hours per week, and there were times when I did a lot more activities in one week without realizing the extra time didn't count. Thankfully, other students shared this information with me, which made logging much easier and more enjoyable.
During the trip, I was grouped with students from grade 9 whom I didn't know very well. However, as the trip progressed, we grew more comfortable with each other and eventually became good friends by the end of the experience.
Abby (G11)
Silver Award
I learned the most from these mistakes
The challenges of the Silver qualifying journey excited me. When we climbed up that first hill of the bamboo forest, I thought, finally something interesting! We developed trust and compassion with each other. Although it was frustrating every time we took the wrong turn, I learned the most from these mistakes and those were when we had our biggest 'aha' moments.
Also, I enjoyed food so much more after a long hike. Overall, it was both intellectually and physically stimulating and a great refreshment. Wish we had more trips. One piece of advice I would give anyone embarking on the silver award would be to manage your time carefully. The with 26hrs per challenge it is important to get the logs complete regularly. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience.
Ariel (G9)
Bronze Award
A valuable opportunity to build stronger relationships with my teammates
During the Bronze level of DofE, one of the most exciting parts of the bronze level is the completion of our adventurous journey. This involves planning and taking part in a challenging outdoor expedition with our team members. The journey helps us work on our teamwork, navigation skills, self-sufficiency, and resilience in the face of challenges.
I still remember the fun memories of singing, playing games, and observing nature during our journey, even though it was a month ago. However, we did experience a moment of being lost and struggling to find our way on the map. This was a valuable opportunity to build stronger relationships with my teammates since walking together for two days helped us get to know each other better. We talked while walking, enjoyed the beauty of nature, and felt the fresh air and the challenging trails in the mountains.
Special Thanks
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff members at Hiba Shanghai for generously giving their time to support the children on their journey. Without the tireless efforts of this hardworking team and the invaluable expertise of the experienced members of Indier Outdoor Education, this trip would not have been possible.
