To celebrate the launch of the Dukes Young Leaders Award (DYLA), we organised a fun and engaging scavenger hunt for our Year 6 pupils. Pupils had to unravel cryptic clues and solve puzzles, leading them on an adventurous quest to uncover hidden treasures to place in a time capsule. It was more than an exciting challenge—it was the first opportunity for participants to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.
Through the DYLA programme, we will celebrate the emerging leadership qualities in every child—each in their own unique way. While some children might shine in community-focused tasks, others will stand out in challenging themselves physically, creatively or socially. The programme explores key facets of leadership development: wellbeing, community, communication, adventure and independence. Each child’s interpretation of what these mean is valid, personal, and crucial for navigating life’s challenges.
This holistic model echoes the award frameworks used in well-established youth leadership schemes—like The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award—where expeditions, skills, volunteering, and physical activity build resilience and self-awareness. For example, the adventurous journey component mirrors our scavenger hunt, guiding children through teamwork, map-reading, decision-making, and overcoming obstacles—all in a fun, supportive environment.
Exploring wellbeing goes beyond physical health: it includes emotional resilience, self-care, mindfulness, and social relationships. We support children to reflect on how they feel, recognise their strengths, ask for help when needed, and celebrate their achievements. Communication develops through group collaborations, public speaking, creative performances, peer mentoring roles, and participating in assemblies—each an opportunity to listen, articulate ideas, and receive feedback with confidence.
Engagement with the wider community is another cornerstone of the DYLA. Pupils may choose to take on service projects—helping younger children, supporting local environmental efforts, or raising awareness on social issues. Like young leaders in schools across the UK who establish cultural workshops or lead charity drives, our children learn that leadership can create real-world impact even in small communities.
Adventure and independence take many forms: outdoor exploration, creative problem-solving challenges, urban scavenger hunts, or self-directed mini-projects. Such experiences build courage, curiosity, and adaptability—the ability to take initiative, make decisions, and navigate unknown territories.
Our DYLA extends far beyond school boundaries. It empowers children to thrive anywhere, equipping them with transferable life skills. Participants will emerge better prepared to lead initiatives, collaborate with peers, advocate for causes, and engage positively in global and local contexts. They will leave with a deeper sense of self, stronger purpose, and the confidence to handle unfamiliar situations—all essential for making a positive difference in the world.
Alongside individual leadership development, the DYLA builds a strong, supportive learning community. Pupils celebrate each other’s achievements, collaborate on challenges, reflect on shared experiences, and learn that leadership is as much about listening as leading. This mutual respect fosters empathy, humility, and compassion—qualities that underpin socially responsible leadership and echo the ethos embedded in youth leadership frameworks.
By the end of the programme, each pupil will have reflected on their journey: what they learned, the strengths they discovered, the setbacks they overcame, and the ways they have grown. They will have filled out their personal DYLA passport – documenting goals, challenges, outcomes, and future aspirations. This booklet will accompany them as a source of pride, motivation, and evidence of their leadership journey.
In short, the Dukes Young Leaders Award nurtures individual leadership in context—with creativity, empathy, courage, and community at its heart. From the thrill of the scavenger hunt to the long-term impact of mentorship and service, the DYLA instills confidence, resilience, and moral awareness—empowering each child to thrive in school, society, and life.
