Oryx Students Achieve First Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) is a coveted youth award programme that was originally founded in the United Kingdom in 1956, by Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh. The programme now stretches across 144 nations, mainly thanks to its implementation across British schools overseas, who like Oryx International School, choose to impart the programme as part of the school enrichment initiatives for students.

Children from the Age of 14 years old are welcomed at Oryx to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Programme on a voluntary basis, or as part of one of their “After School Activities”, which requires at least one hour per week dedicated to each activity over a specified time period. The programme itself has three progressive levels, which when completed successfully lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The 2024 student cohort are the first graduates from Oryx International School of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, having successfully completed the four sections required from them:

• Physical
• Skills
• Volunteering
• Expedition (min 2 days inc. 1 night)

The Award Ceremony, held onsite in the school auditorium, was attended by parent guests, as well as school senior leaders and participant teachers. As guests entered the auditorium, they were greeted by an array of colourful images showcasing the student’s expeditions, learnings and volunteering elements, which lit up the stage duly set with the trophies and award certificates, as well as decorated with some of the student memorabilia in the form of camping tents.

The Award ceremony was presided over by Mr Howell, one of the founders Oryx International School’s DofE Programme who said “I am immensely proud of our students and everything they’ve accomplished through the DofE Award. Watching them grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and discover hidden talents has been nothing short of inspiring. They’ve shown incredible strength and determination, and I know they’re ready to take on whatever path they choose in life."

Mr Howell took the guests upon a curative adventure, detailing all of the student’s escapades, as well as some fun anecdotes which brought life to the event. He spoke of the students’ dedication and their perseverance throughout the programme, specifically in relation to their recent challenges on their overnight expedition in the Zekreet desert of Qatar.

Once the scene had been set and memories relived, the school’s Executive Principal, Mr Laidlaw, alongside Mr Franklin, one of the dedicated teachers who helped to establish the DofE programme at Oryx, presented certificates and trophies to our students, who beamed into the audience with well-deserved pride.

The emotional ceremony was concluded by student Nicole K C from Year 11 who took to the stage, showing no signs of nervousness, and who went on to thank the teachers and volunteers, on behalf of all the students, for their dedication and for allowing them all the incredible opportunity to partake in the programme.

Nicole concluded “We have been through so much together, we’ve had our ups and downs, but teachers I want you to remember that these are the stories we will one day be telling our children and grandchildren, this will be what gives us strength, as we’ll tell ourselves that if we got through this, we can go through GCSES, A-levels, and anything else we set our mind to.”

Following the ceremony, students, teachers and parents were welcomed to enjoy an informal coffee and share memories of their adventures, as well as congratulate one another on their recent achievements.

The programme though is not just about “the challenges”. The essence of the DofE programme, is one to spark camaraderie, empathy and helps to drive teamworking skills amongst its participants. It is also a gleaming addition to any student’s CV and is well-looked upon for future university applications.

Mr Franklin, commented: “I couldn’t be prouder to have been part of this remarkable journey with our students. Seeing them complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. This programme goes beyond the challenges and skills; it helps shape their character, resilience, and sense of responsibility. I truly believe these moments are the building blocks that will guide them in becoming the outstanding individuals they are destined to be. It’s been a privilege to witness their growth, and I’m excited to see what they will achieve next.”

We are looking forward to seeing the students embark on their next challenges, as they strive to take on their DofE Silver award adventures!