The Bronze International Award: Students Complete Their Adventurous Journey!

Last weekend, six brave students stepped out of their comfort zones and into the mountains as they completed the Adventurous Journey component of their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. With backpacks full of food and equipment, the group hiked from school across the valley to Champéry, tackling both the physical terrain and the challenge of independence that the program demands.

This trip was part of the Bronze level of the International Award, which supports young people aged 14 to 24 in building the skills they need to navigate the world, both literally and metaphorically. Designed around the principles of non-formal education, the Award encourages students to find their purpose, place, and passion through service, physical activity, skill development, and, perhaps most famously, the Adventurous Journey.

Careful preparation was essential for this journey. Students were responsible for planning their routes, packing their own gear, and managing their meals. Once in the field, they worked in teams to navigate, cook, and camp with minimal support, while their experienced teachers remained close by to ensure safety. Despite variable weather and the challenges of hiking on tricky terrain, the group pushed forward and learned so much along the way!

The journey presented new challenges and opportunities even for students who have grown up camping. Communication was key, and the group highlighted how helpful it was to learn how to rely on each other in challenging situations. Many shared how proud they were of themselves and their teammates for rising to the challenge and developing their resilience, leadership, and adaptability skills.

Beyond Bronze, our school is proud to have several students progressing to the prestigious Gold level of the International Award. Students like William ‘25 and Xander ‘25 will be recognised at a formal ceremony in June hosted by the British Embassy in Bern and attended by a delegate from the Royal Family. Next year, a new group of Gold participants will begin their journey, including Samantha ‘26, Nika ‘26, Antonio ‘26, Michael ‘27, Isaiah ‘26, Tasker ‘26, and Joe ‘26.

As the International Award program continues to grow and gain popularity amongst students in our community, it remains invaluable in challenging students and helping them develop their physical, personal, and academic skills. We're proud of every student who takes part and can't wait to see what they achieve next!