A significant element of Rugby School Japan’s “Whole Person Whole Point” ethos is our commitment to developing our pupils’ character, on top of supporting them to achieve academic success.
It is this focus on character and academic development that sets us apart from many other schools, and which allows our pupils to develop the confidence, resilience, and aspiration to thrive in school, in higher education, and beyond. Which is why we are proud to offer our pupils the opportunity to participate in the renowned Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (D of E) programme is a globally recognised youth achievement scheme that encourages young people to engage in a wide range of activities that promote personal development and community involvement. It was founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and has since expanded to include thousands of participants from various countries.
Leadership, Teamwork, and Resilience
For Rugby School Japan, the D of E programme signifies an opportunity to instill values of leadership, teamwork, and resilience among its students. As a UK-based educational framework, Rugby School Japan can leverage the D of E’s structure to enhance its curriculum, fostering a spirit of adventure and personal achievement that aligns well with both the school’s ethos and the broader educational landscape in Japan.
Cultivating Skills Beyond the Classroom
In Japan, where there is a pronounced emphasis on academic excellence, the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) programme presents an opportunity for students to cultivate skills beyond the confines of traditional classroom education. Participants engage in a diverse array of activities across four principal areas: volunteering, physical pursuits, skill development, and an adventurous journey. This comprehensive approach fosters holistic personal growth while encouraging students to contribute to their communities, tackle physical challenges, and acquire new competencies.
RSJ Service Programmes
With the initiation of the D of E programme, Rugby School Japan will enhance its collaboration with various stakeholders in the Kashiwanoha community, including Mitsui Fudosan, KOIL, and UDCK, particularly in the realms of volunteering and service. In January, we will launch two service programmes in partnership with Mitsui Fudosan, KOIL, and UDCK. One programme focuses on a community reading initiative designed to connect children from the Kashiwanoha community with pupils from Rugby School Japan through literature. The other initiative aims to facilitate community building by enabling Rugby School Japan students to serve as a bridge between the foreign and non-foreign communities, thereby strengthening relationships between these two groups.
Preparation for the Future
Overall, the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme at Rugby School Japan can enhance students’ educational experience, providing them with valuable life skills and experiences that are essential in today’s global society. Through participation, students can build confidence, forge friendships, and prepare themselves for future challenges, contributing positively to both their personal growth and their communities in Japan.
If you would like to learn more about our Duke of Edinburgh programme please email Kaz Futawatari at kaz.futawatari@rugbyschooljapan.ed.jp
