Mini and Junior Dukes is an award scheme aimed at primary students that encourages the development of valuable life skills. There are six levels:
Each of the six levels contain fourteen (14) challenges. In order to complete a level, students need to complete ten (10) of these challenges successfully. Challenges include mastering skills, such as First Aid, ICT, Languages, Art, Drama, Music, Sport, Cookery, and Puncture Repair amongst a variety of cultural experiences. Students will be given many of the necessary skills in school, but the award also requires time and commitment during their own time.
The skills gained through taking part in the Junior Duke award will be valuable for our students today and later in life. Students will grow in confidence, independence, resilience, and adaptability when embarking on the challenges within each level. By taking part in the Junior Duke award, students will be better equipped to deal with the everyday problems they may in life.
At the beginning of the year, the Junior Duke lead teachers launch the award via a whole school assembly. During this time, students are exposed to the content and structure of the awards and an insight into what sorts of experiences they might be involved in. If students are keen to be a part of this, they can sign up via a payment link that is sent out at this time. Upon receiving payment, students receive a booklet which is to be completed as a feature of the programme.
There is a cost of 100 AED per child which covers the cost of the booklet, certificate and badge.
Each booklet outlines the fourteen (14) challenges needed to be completed. There is a writing element to each of the challenges and a page for inserting photographic evidence. Upon completion of a challenge, students take their booklet to their Duke Leader, who will sign it off. Once ten (10) challenges have been completed and signed off, they will have completed the level.
Upon completing a level, house points, a certificate, and a badge are awarded during assembly. For those who complete the platinum award, a special awards ceremony takes place to mark the end of this prestigious journey.