A character-building, world-recognised award
Gökkuşağı Schools students grow with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, founded in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh and recognised today in more than 130 countries. This prestigious programme brings a strong character together with academic success, giving our students self-confidence, resilience and leadership.
A strong character, growing alongside academics
At Gökkuşağı Schools, alongside their academic education, our students discover The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, an international youth development programme. Founded in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, and the educator Kurt Hahn, and delivered today in more than 130 countries, the programme offers young people aged 14-24 a structured framework for personal development.
At our school every student shapes the Award around their own interests: they choose the area where they will volunteer, the skill they will develop and the adventurous journey they will undertake. There is no competition; each young person progresses only against their own starting point. The aim is for your child to discover their own potential.
At Gökkuşağı, this prestigious programme is a school of character that completes academic education; it raises our students as self-confident, resilient and responsible individuals.
Tailored to each young person, a personal journey
Voluntary participation, non-competitiveness, openness to all and personal development; the four core principles that make the Award strong and meaningful.
- I
Voluntary
Participation is entirely voluntary. The young person sets out on this journey of their own will and takes ownership of it.
- II
Non-competitive
The Award is not a competition. Each young person progresses only against their own starting point, at their own pace.
- III
Accessible to All
An inclusive programme open to all young people aged 14-24, from every background and every ability.
- IV
Focused on Personal Development
At the heart of the programme is the young person discovering their own potential and developing their character.
A long-established and global programme
- 0Founded by the Duke of Edinburgh
- 0Award levels · Bronze, Silver, Gold
- 0Sections
- 0+Countries and territories delivering it
Bronze
The first step: a personal challenge that begins with regular participation across four sections.
Silver
A deeper commitment: the duration lengthens, and responsibility and resilience increase markedly.
Gold
The highest level: in addition to the four sections, a Gold Residential project spent away from home.
Four sections at every level
At the Gold level, these four sections are joined by a Gold Residential project of at least four nights spent away from home.
Voluntary Service
Voluntary work that benefits the community; empathy and a sense of social responsibility.
Physical Recreation
Sport and physical activity; developing health, resilience and wellbeing.
Skills
Developing a new interest or skill; commitment to learning.
Adventurous Journey
A journey of exploration planned as a team; adventure, solidarity and cooperation.
Skills not taught in the classroom, a real preparation for life
Through the Award process, our students develop, through real experience, skills not measured in the classroom: self-confidence, resilience, leadership, teamwork and effective communication. They learn to overcome challenges, set goals and take responsibility.
The world’s leading universities and employers look for evidence of these skills. This international award, earned by Gökkuşağı students, is strong and visible proof of the competencies they possess.
Award questions answered
The Award is designed for all young people aged 14 to 24. It is an inclusive programme open to young people of every background and every ability; there is no requirement of academic achievement.
There are three levels: Bronze (age 14, at least 6 months), Silver (age 15, at least 6-12 months) and Gold (age 16, at least 12-18 months). Each level requires a deeper commitment than the previous one; at the Gold level a Residential project is also completed.
At every level four sections are completed: Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills and the Adventurous Journey. At the Gold level a Gold Residential project is added to these.
No. The Award is voluntary and personalised; the young person progresses at their own pace. It completes academic education rather than competing with it. On the contrary, its time-management and responsibility skills also support academic success.
Yes. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is recognised by the world’s leading universities and employers. As concrete evidence of the young person’s leadership, resilience and social responsibility, it strengthens their application.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is delivered at all eight Gökkuşağı Schools campuses: Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Istanbul (Ataşehir, Bahçelievler, Bahçeşehir, Beylikdüzü) and Izmir.
Let’s begin your child’s Award journey together
Fill out the form and our advisors will call you about how the programme works, the levels and the admissions process. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is delivered at all our campuses.
Explore international education up close.
Alongside the Award, explore our international academic programmes too; let’s find the right path for your child together.