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At PORG International School, pupils are not just excelling academically but also thriving in personal development, thanks to the implementation of the Junior Duke Awards program. This enriching initiative aims to equip young learners with practical skills, foster independence, and boost their confidence through engaging and meaningful activities.
What is the Junior Duke Awards Program?
The Junior Duke Awards is a structured program tailored specifically for younger children. It was created by a long-time primary school teacher who had noticed that, while all children in her school tried hard and excelled at different things, it was only the sporty ones who won awards and got recognition. Designed to instil independence, resilience, and life skills, the program offers various levels of achievement that pupils can progress through. Beginning in preschool with Nano-Duke, it develops through Key Stages One with Mini Duke and Key Stage Two with Junior Duke. There are also two further levels for Key Stage Three which take the children up to the age where they can join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Each level challenges participants to complete age-appropriate tasks that encourage hands-on learning and practical problem-solving.
The activities cover a broad spectrum of skills, from cooking and sewing to first aid and basic home maintenance. By participating, pupils not only gain valuable life experience but also develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
Why PORG International School Adopted the Program
Holistic education has been a primary aim of PORG International School since it was founded, focusing on developing well-rounded individuals. The introduction of the Junior Duke Awards aligns perfectly with the school’s mission to nurture confident, independent, and capable young leaders. Recognizing the growing importance of practical skills alongside academic achievement, PORG saw the Junior Duke Awards as an ideal complement to its existing curriculum.
How the Program Works at PORG
At PORG International School, the Junior Duke Awards program is part of the after-school club program, with enthusiastic participation from both pupils and staff. Each pupil selects a series of challenges from a predefined list based on their current level. The tasks are diverse, catering to different interests and encouraging pupils to step out of their comfort zones. Examples include:
Key Stage One:
- Silver Mini Duke: Make a slice of toast, learn to tie some basic knots, make a plan in case you get lost, including learning your address and a useful phone number.
- Gold Mini Duke: Use a kettle safely to make tea or coffee, learn how to build a fire and toast a marshmallow, make your own healthy snacks for lunch or learn to play ‘Happy Birthday’ on a musical instrument.
Key Stage 2
- Bronze Junior Duke: Learn how to contact emergency services without the help of an adult, wash a large item of clothing by hand, bake some food or learn how to float and survive if you fall into deep water
- Silver Junior Duke: Learn to sew on a button, learn how to put different sized people into the recovery position, make a pot of soup from scratch or learn to manage your time so that you can get yourself ready for school and leave on time without adult supervision.
- Gold Junior Duke: Make a budget for your school snacks for a week and shop for the ingredients, prepare a first aid kit and pack a grab-bag in case of a natural emergency in your area, be responsible for 3 extra chores at home or bake a loaf of bread.
- Platinum Junior Duke: Learn how to turn off the gas, water and electricity supplies to your house and use a fire blanket. Cook a hot meal for your family, know the signs of a suspected heart attack and how to perform CPR, plan a trip by public transport including reading timetables and working out timings or design a webpage with headings and hyperlinks.
Teachers and parents play a supportive role, guiding the pupils without taking over the process. The focus remains on self-directed learning and personal achievement.
The Impact on Pupils
The Junior Duke Awards program is already making an impact on pupils at PORG International School. Teachers are noticing improvements in children’s confidence, independence, and personal organisation. The program helps them to understand that learning goes beyond the classroom, emphasizing the value of practical skills and real-world problem-solving.
We have seen (and tasted!) some wonderful recipes from pupils’ home countries, seen some of the smaller ones put a large adult in the recovery position and check their breathing and had confirmation from parents that pupils have cleaned their rooms, learned to use washing machines and do not need so much adult intervention to get themselves ready for school in the mornings!
Celebrating Success
Upon completing the required tasks for their level, pupils receive a badge and certificate to celebrate their achievements. These awards are presented during a school assembly, reinforcing the value of hard work and dedication. The recognition not only motivates participants but also inspires their peers to take part in the program.
For Year pupils passing the Platinum Award, there will be a special party in the school grounds at the end of the school year.
Building a Foundation for the Future
The Junior Duke Awards at PORG International School is more than just an extracurricular activity; its program prepares pupils for the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. It also lays the groundwork for participation in advanced programs like the International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is run by several secondary schools in Ostrava, including PORG Grammar School.
A Unique Opportunity in Ostrava
As one of the few schools in the Czech Republic offering the Junior Duke Awards, PORG International School is setting a benchmark for innovative education. The program reflects the school’s commitment to empowering young learners and fostering a love for lifelong learning. It reflects our dedication to preparing pupils for a bright and independent future.
Join the Journey
The Junior Duke Awards program at PORG International School is an inspiring initiative that underscores the importance of practical skills, personal growth, and resilience. By participating, pupils are not only achieving tangible milestones but also building the confidence to take on life’s challenges. As the program continues to grow, PORG looks forward to seeing even more pupils embrace the journey of self-discovery and skill-building.
For parents and educators interested in learning more about the Junior Duke Awards at PORG International School, visit the school’s website or contact the program coordinator for details. Together, let’s empower the next generation to reach their full potential.
