Mini and Junior Dukes is an award scheme aimed at primary students that encourages the development of valuable life skills. There are six levels:
Each of the six levels contain fourteen challenges. In order to complete a level, students need to complete ten of these challenges successfully. Challenges include mastering skills such as first aid, ICT, languages, art, drama, music, sport, cookery, puncture repair amongst a variety of cultural experiences. Students will be given many of the necessary skills in school, but the award also requires time and commitment during their own time.
The skills gained through taking part in the Junior Duke award will be valuable for our students both currently and in later life. Students will grow in confidence, independence, resilience and adaptability when embarking on the challenges within each level. By taking part in the Junior Duke award, students will be better equipped to deal with the everyday problems faced in life.
At the beginning of the year, the Junior Duke lead teachers launch the award via a whole school assembly. During this time, students are exposed to the content and structure of the awards and an insight into what sorts of experiences they might be involved in. If students are keen to be a part of this, they can sign up via a payment link that is sent out at this time. Upon receiving payment, students receive a booklet which is to be completed as a feature of the programme.
There is a cost of 100 AED per child which covers the cost of the booklet, certificate and badge.
Each booklet outlines the fourteen challenges which need to be completed. There is a writing element to each of the challenges and a page for inserting photographic evidence. Upon completion of a challenge, students take their booklet to their “Duke Leader”, who will sign it off. Once ten challenges have been completed and signed off, they will have completed the level.
Upon completing a level, house points, a certificate and a badge are awarded during assembly. For those who complete the platinum award, a special awards ceremony takes place to mark the end of this prestigious journey.
If a level remains incomplete by the end of the school year, children may carry it on into the next year. Unfortunately, the scheme does not run in the Senior School, so children working on their Platinum level need to finish by the end of summer term.
