From the parents –
We’ve had a keen wee boy in Cheshire who is onto his fourth level. We asked his mum if she would write a review about it. This is what she said:
Leon has loved working through the challenges on the Mini and Junior Duke Scheme. He has just completed his Bronze Junior Duke Award and can’t wait to start on the Silver. Leon has had many difficulties with school and his learning difficulties and this has been amazing for his self confidence and independence. His sense of achievement and pride when he completes a task is fantastic to see. It has also been great to see him using other members of the family to join in with some of the challenges and has really improved his communication skills. The level of the challenges has been perfect, each level pushes him a little further but still within his capabilities. The range of challenges is great and there is an option to do 7 out of 10 of the challenges, however we have found Leon wants to do them all. The only one we have missed so far is tying his shoe laces but hopefully we will come back to this one day! It is great value for money and I would definitely recommend this for any child, a great way to boost their self confidence whilst also learning some really useful new skills. I especially liked getting my car washed!
Reviews from Head Teachers:
The Mini and Junior Duke Awards gives our learners an opportunity to extend their learning outside of the academic sphere. It allows them the opportunity to learn important life skills and to do so in a fun and safe home environment.
Jack Perrett, GEMS Founders.
From the moment we introduced the Junior Duke, there was a bus throughout our school. The Junior Duke is celebrated at every weekly virtual assembly and seeing the pupils work shows the quality of the Award. The values of independence and kindness is evident in the brilliantly-planned activities – something that links really well with our ‘culture of kindness’ at Brighton College.
Edward McGuigan, Deputy Head of Prep. Brighton College.
The children at VHPS have found the programme to be extremely engaging and have loved extending their learning beyond the classroom. The activities are well pitched, with an appropriate level of difficulty/challenge and, most of all, an enjoyment factor. The materials (books, certificates and badges) are extremely well designed.
Ben Rothwell, Assistant Headteacher, Victory Heights Primary School
At Horizon International School, we believe in helping our children to develop their self-confidence and independence from an early age and recognise the benefits gained from the Mini and Junior Duke Awards. Now more than ever, it is important to equip the students with these iposrtant life skills and the ability for them to lead themselves, so they are able to face future challenges within this ever-changing world.
Alex Tate, Director of Enrichment and Enhancement, Horizon International School
Our children love the Mini Duke and we are amazed at how engaged they are with the programme. They are completing their tasks with great enthusiasm and are learning skills that will serve them well for life. One of our Year 1s has told me they now proudly cook for their family every weekend. Another mum has told me how making a bed and folding bedding is a revelation to her child!
Wayne Howsen, Principal, Aquilla School