The Awards
Life Skills Awards For Children Aged 5 to 13
General Age (ish!) | Primary (Scotland) | Year (England) | Grade (USA) | |
* Micro Duke | 5 | 1 | Reception | Pre-K |
Silver Mini Duke | 6 | 2 | 1 | Kindergarten |
Gold Mini Duke | 7 | 3 | 2 | Grade 1 |
Bronze Junior Duke | 8 | 4 | 3 | Grade 2 |
Silver Junior Duke | 9 | 5 | 4 | Grade 3 |
Gold Junior Duke | 10 | 6 | 5 | Grade 4 |
Platinum Junior Duke | 11 | 7 | 6 | Grade 5 |
* Silver Senior Duke | 12 | Senior 1 | 7 | Grade 6 |
* Gold Senior Duke | 13 | Senior 2 | 8 | Grade 7 |
* New in 2021/22 |
Life can be hectic and we are often too busy to allow our children to learn to do things for themselves as it's much quicker, as an adult, to do things ourselves. Many six year olds ARE capable of making toast for their breakfast, they CAN tie their shoelaces and they CAN make it up a hill. Many parents have begun expecting more from their children as they now know their youngsters are so capable!.
Children love to do things without help. They simply need the time and space to explore, learn from their mistakes and to learn to be safe. Having spoken to hundreds of children over the years, we've compiled a list of some of their thoughts about a few of the challenges featured in the Mini and Junior Duke Awards:
Kids love the feeling of achievement when they have been out in the hills for an adventure.
They feel a sense of being 'grown up' when they have successfully built a safe fire and toasted a marshmallow.
They like to show they can recite a long mobile phone number.
They are likely to be more careful with their buttons if they have learned how tricky it is to sew them back on!
They LIKE rules, and games like Chess are a great way to instil calm and discipline as well as learning good sportsmanship.
Everyone gets nervous making presentations but if you do it regularly from a very early age, it becomes easier each time.
They like having a purpose to each of the presentations.
They like being able to surprise their parents by cooking and baking.
It's really nice to feel you have done something kind or thoughtful for other people or to organise to get something fixed in their local area.
They like talking to the teachers whom they didn’t really know so well about the things they have done.
They know their parents are proud of them when the have completed each level.
Personal Development
Kids With A 'Can-Do' Attitude!
Look below to see some children discovering new talents and skills.

Independence

Responsibility

Life Skills
Award Structure
Promotion
Having goals to aim for and achieve keeps children interested & motivated.
Community
On completing a challenge, children need to be assessed by by a teacher they may not know therefore creating a need for conversation between people who may never have met or had reason to speak. This develops children’s confidence.
10 Stages
There are 10 components to each level of the award, teaching children the value of effort & patience.
The Booklet
Each set of 10 challenges are explained fully in a booklet and there is space for self assessment and photographic evidence for most of the challenges.
House Points
On completing a level, children earn House Points helping to feel they have done something great for their 'team'. Many children encourage others in their 'House' to work hard to complete their challenges.