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)