Duke of Edinburgh Program
RNS is proud to offer all students the opportunity to earn the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, an international program that operates in more than 100 countries.
This year, all Grade 9 and 10 students will be enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Program through their Physical Education classes and will be provided opportunities through Outward Bound to earn the Bronze Level of achievement.
Founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Award aims to develop character, leadership and personal discipline in youth. As of 2004, nearly four million young people have been involved worldwide.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun School, the United World Colleges, Outward Bound, and the Round Square - a worldwide association of schools whose students share a commitment, beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility through service, challenge, adventure and international understanding. RNS has been a member of the Round Square Conference of Schools since 2006.
Introduced to Canada in 1963, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is open to all young people between the ages of 14 and 25. The Award currently attracts some 30,000 participants annually and is operational in all 10 Provinces and 3 Territories.
There are three levels to the award: Bronze, Silver, and Gold - each with an increasing degree of commitment. Within each level there are four sections.
Service - encourages participants to realize that, as members of a community, they have responsibility to others and that their help is needed.
Expeditions - develops self-reliance by undertaking an interesting journey of discovery.
Skills - encourages participants to discover and develop personal interests and social and practical skills.
Physical Recreation - encourages participation in physical activity and to learn to appreciate physical recreation as an important component of a healthy lifestyle.
Completion of the Bronze Level usually takes six to twelve months, the Silver Level between twelve and eighteen months, and the Gold Level about eighteen to twenty-four months. All awards must be completed by the participant's twenty-fifth birthday. Upon completion of each level students receive a pin and a certificate on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh to mark their achievement.
For more information about the award program, contact
Mr. Mike Carpenter
Director of Outdoor Education / Outward Bound Coordinator
506-848-0840
carpenterm@rns.cc
Mr. Brian Murray
Director of Student Life
506-848-0876
murrayb@rns.cc
