At The British School of Brussels (BSB), the spirit of adventure isn’t just a phrase; it’s a way of life, embodied every year through the transformative Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme. As the weather warms each May and June, BSB students eagerly lace up their boots, ready to embark on expeditions that push boundaries and build character. While the rolling hills and forests of the Belgian Ardennes have traditionally provided the perfect backdrop for these physical challenges, fostering independence, resilience, and teamwork, this year, BSB students truly took their adventurous journeys to new heights – venturing all the way to the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
BSB’s deep connection with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award spans decades, a testament to the school’s founding ethos of nurturing well-rounded, confident, and resourceful young people. In fact, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh himself officially opened BSB in 1970, cementing the school’s commitment to this incredible programme. The DofE Award at BSB is meticulously structured across three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each stage invites participants to set and achieve personal goals through a balanced curriculum of activities, including vital volunteering work, invigorating physical recreation, skill development, and, of course, the highly anticipated adventurous journeys. For those reaching the prestigious Gold level, an additional residential project further broadens their horizons and deepens their sense of community service.
The heart of the DofE experience at BSB lies in its expeditions – adventurous journeys designed to truly test students’ endurance, navigation, and teamwork. Whether facing the challenge of flooded tents or skillfully navigating unfamiliar trails, students consistently uncover new strengths and forge friendships that last a lifetime. As Sarah Jones, Department Leader PE & Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Coordinator, aptly observes, “The Award is an opportunity to work with students outside the classroom, where sometimes completely different strengths emerge. I’ve seen students thrive in aspects of the Award that you might not imagine during a typical school day.”.
“These expeditions are often a revelation for students,” adds Sarah. “A lot of them have never visited parts of the Ardennes, let alone the Swiss Alps. They’re amazed that just two hours from Brussels, we can be in rolling farmland, beautiful forests, and wild open fens.” Such experiences are invaluable, not only fostering a spirit of adventure but also cultivating independence and problem-solving skills that serve students far beyond their school years.
One of the defining features of the DofE Award at BSB is its unwavering inclusivity. The programme is open to students of all abilities, backgrounds, and interests, always emphasizing personal growth over competition. Participants are encouraged to progress at their own pace, bolstered by the unwavering support of dedicated Award Leaders and a vibrant school community. As students dedicate themselves to achieving their goals—whether it’s volunteering at local charities, developing new skills, or improving physical fitness—they invariably build confidence, resilience, and a profound sense of accomplishment.
The profound impact of the programme is vividly illustrated in the stories of BSB students. From overcoming unexpected challenges like flooded tents and minor injuries to celebrating personal milestones in music, sports, or community service, each participant’s journey is truly unique. Sarah reflects on these moments: “In today’s world, where we’re all glued to our phones, it’s interesting to see students embrace independence, making decisions as they navigate unfamiliar territory. I’m often struck by how much laughter there is, even when they’re walking in terrible weather. They’re truly enjoying themselves, and that sense of accomplishment is evident.”.
The DofE Award equips BSB students with essential life skills that resonate far beyond the confines of the classroom. These qualities are highly valued by universities and employers worldwide, making the Award a globally recognised mark of achievement. Sarah adds, “The vision of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is perhaps more important now than it ever has been. We know that this legacy will continue to reach countless more young people to the benefit of communities around the world, for many years to come.”.
Beyond personal development, BSB participants regularly engage in meaningful service projects. From volunteering their time at dog shelters and coaching younger students to participating in international initiatives and reconnecting with their heritage, these experiences foster a lifelong commitment to service and global citizenship, inspiring others both within and beyond the school community. Achieving a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is far more than a personal milestone; it stands as a testament to a student’s determination, adaptability, and compassion. As students progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold, they truly discover their own potential and learn to contribute positively to the world around them. The programme at BSB consistently empowers students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace adventure, and shape their futures as confident, capable, and caring individuals. Ultimately, “Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, BSB students truly discover who they are – and who they can become,” Sarah adds.
This year marked an exhilarating new chapter for BSB’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, as for the first time ever, a group of intrepid explorers set off from BSB to the majestic mountains of Switzerland. Both Gold and Silver International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students embarked on this groundbreaking journey.
The journey began with a smooth flight to Geneva, followed by a scenic transfer to La Tzoumaz. Upon arrival, students immediately began their expedition training, guided by their assessor Idris and mountain guide Pau. Building on skills from previous Bronze and Silver awards, the training emphasised mountain safety, altitude awareness, hydration, and sun protection. Learning was reinforced through quizzes, practical tasks, and small group activities.
Evenings featured both practical skills sessions – such as setting up tents – and communal meals. The following days included intensive training on route planning, map and compass navigation, and estimating walking times, all under Pau’s expert instruction. Students practiced orienteering around the village and carefully planned their expedition menus and routes, even managing a supermarket trip to purchase supplies within a set budget.
A major highlight was a practice hike to the Croix de Coeur at 2,174 meters, where students camped overnight, cooked their meals, and continued route planning for their final assessed expedition. After a debrief and final preparations – including packing and a last supermarket run – students were ready for their official expedition, well-fed, well-prepared, and eager for the challenge ahead.
This incredible Swiss adventure, alongside the ongoing expeditions in Belgium, truly exemplifies the power of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at BSB, continuing its legacy of empowering students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace adventure, and shape their futures as confident, capable, and caring individuals.