Duke of Edinburgh Award: Beyond the Classroom
In alignment with our school motto, Not for Ourselves Alone, York House students elevate their learning and development through the Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards - Canada (The Award) — a nationally accredited, globally recognized framework that challenges young people to grow, contribute, and discover their potential.
Open to students beginning at age 14, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards - Canada challenges students outside of the classroom. The Award helps young people build transferable skills, improve wellbeing, and develop confidence and resilience. Students engage in four transformative pillars of the Award: volunteering and service, physical recreation, skill-building, and adventurous journeys. Through this comprehensive approach, York House students build confidence and resilience while deepening their connection with the environment and their local communities.
four pillars of Duke of Edinburgh awards
1. Volunteering / Service
Students choose a cause they care about and give their time to make an impact, whether through community service, charity work, or school initiatives. This section helps develop empathy, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to social responsibility.
2. Physical Recreation
From team sports to dance, hiking to individual fitness pursuits, students engage in regular physical activity that improves fitness, perseverance, and overall wellbeing. The choice is theirs; they find what moves them!
3. Skill Building
Whether it's cooking, music, coding, photography, or something entirely new, students select a skill to develop over time. This builds self-discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
4. Adventurous Journey
Students plan, train for, and complete an expedition in the outdoors, usually hiking or canoeing. This section develops teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and resilience.
Three Levels of Achievement
Students can participate at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, each building upon the previous level to deepen their growth, strengthen their confidence, and expand their impact on lifelong learners committed to meaningful change.
