The Award

Set yourself a challenge

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a challenging internationally recognized diploma program for those who want to challenge themselves in abilities, will, and perseverance.

The Award was first introduced in England in 1956 by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since its introduction, the program has spread to over 100 countries, inspiring thousands of young people to test themselves. The diploma is especially useful for those who wish to apply to a university abroad.

The Award on Herlufsholm

You choose activities within four sections (sport, skills, volunteer work, and expedition) over the course of one school year at the bronze level, one and a half school years at the silver level, and two school years at the gold level. Through your focus on skill development, you work purposefully on self-improvement and are rewarded for your completion with a diploma, an Award badge, and Herlufsholm’s Trolleskjold.

Throughout the program, you will participate in and improve in both a physical and a creative activity. You must also carry out charitable, voluntary work. For all three sections, you can find activities in the school’s extracurricular program or suggest ideas to your award leader. Each level is concluded with an expedition or survival trip, with the difficulty depending on your level. Here, you will travel a set distance in a small group and manage on your own in nature. Previous gold expeditions have gone to Iceland.