Student Life

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Discover new passions, develop leadership skills, and make an impact in the community.
York House School encourages student participation in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Program that promotes personal development, leadership, service-learning, and community involvement. This acclaimed program directly aligns with York House School’s mission of empowering “young women to become active global citizens with the courage to act on their beliefs and make a difference”.
Developed in the United Kingdom in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Program now involves young people ages 14-24 in 140 countries to engage in balanced, voluntary self-development activities. For more information, visit dukeofed.org or the participant resource portal.
 
Students may join the program at any time, once they are 14 years old. The aim is for students to discover hidden talents or develop passions and leadership potential, and play a role in the community. In fulfillment of an award at the bronze, silver, or gold levels, students complete a designated number of weeks working towards a SMART goal (specific, achievable, measurable, realistic, time-bound) in activities of personal interest in the following areas:
  • Personal skill development
  • Physical fitness
  • Community volunteering
  • Adventurous Journey: Trips taken with our Outdoor Education program qualify.
  • Residential project (Gold level only): YHS international excursions may qualify.
 
At YHS we encourage involvement in this program and provide support for students. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Lizzie Gregory, Community Partnerships and Programs Coordinator, at lgregory@yorkhouse.ca.
With respect, we acknowledge that the land on which we learn, play, and work is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməѲkwəyəm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlílwəta/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.