At Hartland International School, we believe that education should go beyond academic success, equipping children with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. The Junior Duke Award is an exciting program that encourages independence, perseverance, and problem-solving through a series of engaging, real-world challenges for pupils from Foundation Stage 1 through to Year 8.
The Junior Duke Award provides a structured way for children to develop life skills, take responsibility for their own learning, and build resilience. With ten different levels tailored to different age groups, pupils are encouraged to complete a variety of challenges that push them outside their comfort zones while fostering a growth mindset.
Each level of the Junior Duke Award offers a carefully curated set of challenges that cover a broad range of skill areas, helping children to develop both practical abilities and higher-order thinking skills. Activities include:
Through these diverse challenges, children are not just acquiring practical skills—they are developing the cognitive skills and learning habits that define high performers. The Junior Duke Award supports HPL thinking skills such as logical reasoning, creativity, and self-regulation, while also building character traits such as resilience, perseverance, and adaptability. These qualities help children develop a "can-do" attitude, enabling them to approach learning and life’s challenges with confidence.
As pupils progress through the Junior Duke Award levels, they earn badges and certificates to celebrate their achievements, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment. More importantly, they develop a lifelong love of learning, as well as the confidence to tackle new experiences with enthusiasm.
The Junior Duke Award is more than just an extracurricular program — it’s a valuable stepping stone in shaping independent, self-motivated learners who are prepared for the challenges of secondary school and beyond. We are proud to offer this opportunity at Hartland International School and look forward to supporting our pupils as they embrace this exciting journey of self-discovery and personal growth!