The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at Heritage

Heritage International School is proud to be the first and only International Award Centre in Moldova delivering The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

This globally recognised programme encourages young people to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and make a positive contribution to their communities.

What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global youth development programme available in more than 120 countries. It empowers young people aged 14-24 to discover their potential, build resilience, and develop essential life skills.

Through a combination of service, physical activity, skills development, and adventurous journeys, participants challenge themselves and grow in confidence, independence, and leadership.

Each participant sets personal goals and works towards them over time, creating a unique and meaningful learning journey.

The Four Sections of the Award

Participants complete activities in four sections:

1. Volunteering
   Giving time to support others and contribute to the community.
2. Physical
   Improving fitness and wellbeing through sport or physical activity.
3. Skills
   Developing a personal interest or learning a new skill.
4. Adventurous Journey
   Planning and completing a team expedition that builds teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

Participants choose one activity in each section – Volunteering, Physical and Skills – and work on these activities regularly over several months while recording their progress throughout the programme.

Award Levels

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has three progressive levels. Each level requires a greater level of commitment and challenge, encouraging participants to build resilience, develop new skills, and grow in confidence.

At Heritage Interational School, we are currently launching the Bronze Award, with plans to expand to Silver and Gold levels in the future.

Why participate?

The Award helps students develop qualities that will support them throughout their lives.

Participants build:

• confidence and independence
• resilience and perseverance
• leadership and teamwork
• responsibility and commitment
• problem-solving and planning skills

The programme encourages young people to step outside their comfort zone and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Who can participate?

The Bronze Award at Heritage is open to students aged 14 and above.

When applications are accepted for each new cohort an announcement will be shared and a meeting arranged for interested families and participants.

How the programme works at Heritage

Students participating in the Bronze Award will:

• discuss their interest in the programme with their parents
• submit an application to join the programme
• prepare a short motivation letter explaining why they would like to participate
• attend a short interview as part of the selection process

Once their place in the programme is confirmed, parents will be invited to an information session and agreement signing (for participants under 18).

During the programme, students will:

• choose activities for each section
• work towards personal goals over several months
• record their progress in the online Award platform
• complete an Adventurous Journey expedition
• celebrate their achievement by receiving the Bronze Award certificate

The programme is guided by trained staff members who support students throughout the process.