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A Timeline

1933
 
Kurt Hahn, a Jewish educationalist, fled to the UK from Germany founded Gordonstoun, a school in Scotland where the Award has its origins

1956
 
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Boys started under the Chairmanship of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, with Sir John (later Lord) Hunt appointed as Director.

The Award had four sections:

1. Rescue and Public Service

2. Expeditions

3. Pursuits and Projects

4. Fitness

At the time, the framework was only offered to boys aged 15 to 18 (a three year gap between finishing school and starting military service).

1958

 

The Award for girls began. However, girls only did three sections, and these were very different to the boys sections:

1. Design for Living

2. Adventure

3. Interests and Service

The first schools outside the UK launched the Award: Malta, Malaysia, Canada, Zimbabwe and Mauritius.


1963
 
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is introduced to Barbados with the Scouts at the Combermere School
 
1964
 
Barbados Council on Voluntary Services takes responsibility for the Award in Barbados
 
1964
 
First National Gold Award Holders presented by HRH Prince Phillip

1967
 
Award groups established at Lodge School, Mapps College, The Girl Guides Association, St. John Ambulance, Barbados Cadet Corps and the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade

1969

 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Young People aged 14 to 21 was launched. This amalgamated the girls and boys scheme, and the Service, Expeditions and Interests sections were available at all levels to everyone.

At Bronze and Silver Level, young women took Design for Living and young men Physical Activity. At Gold Level participants could choose between the latter two sections and also had to complete a Residential Project.


1977
 
The Caribbean Award Scheme Council (CASC) is established. This umbrella body was made up of the CARICOM countries delivering the Award.
 
1979
 
First Award Regional Expedition to St. Lucia. 

1980
 
Richard Goddard leads the first CASC regional expedition to St. Vincent

 

1980

 

The next major revision of the Award occurred when it became one programme for all young people between the ages of 14 and 25. The Award programme had four main sections:

1. Service

2. Expedition

3. Skills

4. Physical Recreation

5. Residential Project (at Gold Level)

1981
 
The Award is registered as Barbados Registered Charity No. 3

1987
 
Barbados jointly hosts the International Gold Award Training event (IGAT87)

1992
Barbados hosts the CASC Adventurous Journey 
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Foundation) Trust of Barbados is established as Registered Charity No. 214.
 
2002
Barbados hosts the CASC Adventurous Journey at the Barbados Youth Service Headquarters at Harrison's Point, under the theme "Unveil the Secret"

2003
The Award celebrates 40 years in Barbados
Barbados hosts the 8th International Forum of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association

2013
 
The Award celebrates 50 years in Barbados
Barbados hosts the CASC Adventurous Journey at Lester Vaughn Secondary School under the theme "Journey to a Greener Barbados"

 
2014
The Global Award develops a licensing model for National Operators and Independent Award Centres
2015
 
The Award is officially renamed "The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados
The Trust is officially renamed "The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados Charity"
The Barbados Cadet Corps is officially sub-licensed to deliver the Award to its membership.
2016
 
The Award globally celebrates its 50th Anniversary

2017
 
The Barbados Boy Scouts Association is officially sub-licensed to deliver the Award to its membership.

2019
 
The Girl Guides Association of Barbados is officially sub-licensed to deliver the Award to its membership.
 
2020
 
Active Award Units in 19 public and private secondary schools, the UWI Cave Hill Campus, 3 youth organizations and 4 community groups. ​
2023 - The Award celebrates 60 years of service to Barbados
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