The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Sonian British Explorer Scouts is an Independent Award Centre offering The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award to our members.

What is The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?

The Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, challenging young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award helps young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.

The Award is available to all 14 to 24-year olds and equips young people with skills for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability or interests.

How does the Award work?

Award participants create their own award programme, choosing from a range of skills-based challenges, physical activities, volunteering opportunities and adventurous journeys (in a team) to suit their abilities, interests and goals. They can continue with activities they are already taking part in such as sports or volunteering, and count these towards achieving their Award, or the Award could be an opportunity to try something new and develop an interest for something different.

Taking part in the Award requires commitment over time but it will give participants the opportunity to develop the skills needed to be world ready. As an Explorer doing the Award, you will have the advantage of building on a huge range of skills including resilience, problem-solving, team-working and drive – and come out the other side with a stronger sense of self (something really brilliant to put on the CV), or talk about in university and job applications. Explorers can also link their Award achievements to the  Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond and Queen’s Scout Awards. As well as the Young Leaders' Scheme.

The Award Framework

The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections and is designed to provide a balanced programme of personal development and challenge.

* If a young person isn't 14 or 15 yet, but is in the school year in which their peer group turns 14/15, they can start their respective award. All activities must be completed by a young person's 25th birthday.

Sections

Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award.

At Gold level, participants also complete a Gold Residential Project.