The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award arrives at H-FARM International School 

We are proud to announce that the Venice Campus of H-FARM International School has been officially recognised as an Independent Award Centre of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. 

But what exactly is it? The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an international educational programme, founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip and now running in around 140 countries. Open to young people aged 14 to 24, it has a clear purpose: to help them grow beyond the classroom by challenging themselves through hands-on experiences that build independence, responsibility, initiative and a sense of community. 

The programme is made up of four sections: Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills and the Adventurous Journey, an outdoor group expedition planned and completed together. None of these can be ticked off in a single afternoon: it is steady commitment, week after week, that makes the difference. 

On completing the programme, participants receive an Award recognised worldwide, but the real achievement is the skills they gain along the way. There are no rankings and no opponents: each student chooses their own activities, sets their own goals and progresses at their own pace. The only competition is with themselves. 

This year we are starting at bronze level with our Boarding students. The first appointment is on 28 November: a night away from campus to learn how to set up camp, light a fire safely, read a topographic map and give first aid. 

The programme is led by Sehrish Shiraz, Residential Life Educator, as Award Coordinator and Award Leader, with Timothy Allen, Head of Boarding, as Licence holder. 

Perseverance, independence, self-confidence, and teamwork are the skills we want to nurture in our students, so that they can become conscious agents of change, in their community and in the world.