Discover, Challenge, Achieve: The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at the British School of Geneva

At BSG education extends far beyond the classroom. Find out more about the International Award.

At the British School of Geneva, we believe that some of life's most valuable lessons are learned through adventure, service, and personal challenge. That's why we are proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DofE), a globally recognised programme that empowers young people to develop confidence, resilience, and essential life skills.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award encourages students aged 14 and above to challenge themselves through four key areas: Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, and an Adventurous Journey. 

Our recent Bronze award cohort, for example, enjoyed a training expedition on the Mont Salève, learning route planning, map reading and navigation skills, and practised setting up their tents and cooking for themselves. These skills were then put to the test in real life conditions when they camped overnight in the mountain trails above Chamonix!

BSG’s Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Mr Smallwood, speaks enthusiastically of the programme’s benefits:

“Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, the Award recognises commitment, perseverance, and personal growth. Students choose activities that reflect their interests and passions, whether that's volunteering in their local community, learning a musical instrument, developing coding skills, training for a sporting event, or exploring the outdoors. The programme is flexible and inclusive, allowing every participant to create a unique journey that suits their abilities and ambitions.”

For students, the benefits are significant. Completing the Award builds independence, leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, all qualities that universities and employers value highly. It also encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones, develop a sense of responsibility, and gain confidence through real-world experiences.

The adventurous journey is often one of the most memorable elements of the Award. Participants work together to plan, navigate, and complete an expedition, learning valuable lessons in resilience, organisation, and collaboration along the way.

At the British School of Geneva, we are uniquely positioned to make the most of this experience. Surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of Switzerland, our students have access to some of Europe's most inspiring natural environments. From the nearby Jura Mountains to the Alps, forests, lakes, and nature reserves, Switzerland provides the perfect setting for expedition training and adventurous journeys. These remarkable outdoor classrooms allow students to develop practical navigation and camping skills while fostering a genuine appreciation for the natural world.

Our experienced staff guide students throughout every stage of the Award, helping them set achievable goals, prepare for expeditions, and reflect on their progress. The programme is carefully integrated into school life, creating opportunities for students to challenge themselves while building lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

In an increasingly competitive world, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award offers far more than an impressive addition to a CV or university application. It equips young people with the confidence to embrace new challenges, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the curiosity to continue learning long after they leave school, and is recognised by universities as part of a student’s application process.

At the British School of Geneva, we are proud to support our students on this transformative journey, encouraging them not only to achieve their Award, but to discover their potential, contribute positively to their communities, and develop the skills that will serve them for life.