TIS received its licence to operate the Duke of Edinburgh International Award at TIS in a presentation at last Monday’s weekly assembly. For our strategic and balanced students, now is the time to commence one of the three levels (bronze, silver or gold) of this exciting program. Students must be 14 years to commence the program. Participants in any level of the program must pay a fee for the program. These fees are: GHC50 for Bronze; GHC60 for Silver; and GHC70 for Gold. Please note for some activities in the award program, additional fees may be involved. For example, adventurous journey and residential project.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is comprised of three levels and four sections. Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project. The Bronze Level is for those students who are 14 years and over. The Silver level is for those students who are 15 years and over, while the Gold Level is for those 16 years and over. The four sections are: service; skills; physical recreation; and adventurous journey. The residential project is only completed at the Gold level.
University and college admission managers look beyond academic results to find out what makes each student a ‘right fit’ for their institution. While CAS involvement and projects are highly regarded by these managers, a Duke of Edinburgh award demonstrates achievement and commitment, two key factors in success at university, and in life.
I mentioned earlier that it was time for our strategic and balanced students to commence one of the programs. Why?Students training for ISSAG soccer, tennis, table tennis and/or athletics should tick the Skills or Physical Recreation requirement. Students attending MUN NY or ALAMAU for the French or Spanish Study Tours should tick the residential living requirement. An adventurous journey is being planned for the end of semester. There are various service projects that students have the opportunity to join this semester.
However, remember that the two key words are challenge and commitment. Being involved in an activity for two weeks and then ‘becoming busy’ will not demonstrate commitment.
Our G8, 9 and 11 students have a great opportunity to complete most requirements by the end of semester. I look forward to seeing who will be the first students at TIS to gain a Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
