Helping young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
At LIS we believe in nurturing more than academic excellence — we prepare learners to challenge themselves, serve others and grow in character through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
What iy is?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (often known in Portugal as the Prémio Infante D. Henrique) is a globally-recognised personal development programme for young people. It invites participants to engage in four key sections — voluntary service, physical recreation, personal talents or skills, and adventurous journeys — across three increasing levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold).
At LIS, the Award gives our students a structured yet flexible pathway to explore their interests, push personal limits, serve their community and build resilience.
Why it matters?
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is more than an add-on: it cultivates character, leadership and global citizenship. Research and the Award’s international framework show that young people who complete the programme gain self-confidence, better planning and problem-solving skills, greater persistence and a stronger sense of purpose.
For our LIS community, this means learners who not only excel academically, but who also lead their learning, serve responsibly, embrace challenge and contribute meaningfully to their world.
How We Implement?
We offer the Award as an extra-curricular option for Secondary learners, inviting them to register and set their personal objectives in consultation with a mentor at LIS.
Participants choose activities in each of the four sections:
Service to the community: contributing time and effort to help others, locally or beyond.
Physical recreation: improving fitness, well-being and teamwork through sport or active challenge.
Skills or talents: developing a new interest or deepening a capability — e.g., arts, crafts, digital skills or leadership.
Adventurous journey: a group expedition that tests planning, resilience, collaboration and courage — for Gold level there is additionally a residential project.
Know more about The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award here.
“The Award gives young people the chance to build confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose — skills that last a lifetime.”