Launch of the International Bronze Award

September saw the launch of the International Bronze Award for DIS3 and M3 students. 20 students volunteered to take part in this challenging programme. The International Award teaches young people about self-reliance and the importance of teamwork.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education framework, with more than 60 years of experience challenging young people to dream big and discover their potential. By creating opportunities to learn a new skill (or develop an existing one), get physically active, give service to their communities, and take part in an adventure, the Award challenges young people to leave their comfort zones — and that’s when the good stuff happens. They build self-confidence and greater resilience, helping to set them up for success in today’s uncertain world, where they face more challenges than ever.

The programme starts with individual goals and objectives involving Service, Skills and Sports. These compulsory elements of the Award scheme encourage the students to log and write reflections. Skills can often include those activities offered with Lyceum Balance, such as knitting, pottery, playing musical instruments and photography.

As an introduction 20 DIS3 and M3 students took part in an overnight camp at the local campsite in Chapella on one of the first weekends of the school year. Students left directly from school with their backpacks, leaving in the morning, hiking over Acla Laret to the beautiful village of Susauna, and arriving at the camp in the evening. They then cooked their own food using stoves and a campfire. They were supported by a group of teachers who instructed them about navigation and camp craft.

Now some of the students are collaborating on a community project referred to as «Lyceum Help». Students are currently distributing cards and gifts for Christmas. The principal idea is to learn about fund raising and to remind students about the importance of contributing positively to the school community.

Next summer, students will take part in a small overnight expedition in the Engadin, thus fulfilling the requirement of an adventurous journey. They will be autonomously making decisions on their own about route finding and setting up a camp. Teachers do not walk with them despite close supervision.

I hope that a successful completion of the Bronze Award in 2022 for these students is the first step in the overall challenge to get their Gold Award in three years’ time.

Harvey Tudor Bronze Award Coordinator

«Students left directly from school with their backpacks, leaving in the morning, hiking over Acla Laret to the beautiful village of Susauna, and arriving at the camp in the evening.»