Transforming Education in Newfoundland and Labrador

We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential. Across Newfoundland and Labrador, that belief is becoming a lived reality –through the growing adoption of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award framework in schools. 

Integration of the Award is a shift in how schools are supporting students to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose – both in and beyond the classroom.  The Award is being recognized by educators as a ready-made framework that seamlessly enhances their efforts to engage students in meaningful, relevant, and lasting learning. 

Real Impact, One Young Person at a Time 

From small communities to larger high schools, the growth of the Award across Newfoundland and Labrador tells a clear story: young people are ready to take ownership of their learning – and dedicated educators are ready to support them. 

At Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts, for example, the number of students participating in the Award this year has tripled from the previous year. What started as a small group of committed participants has grown into a thriving group of young people who are actively engaging in their Voluntary Service, Skills, and Physical Recreation sections. The school is showing that when students are given the right tools and support, they’re ready to rise to the challenge. 

Holy Heart of Mary High School in St. John’s, in its inaugural year as an Award delivery partner. With a dedicated group of students actively engaged in the Award framework, the school is empowering educators to collaborate, experiment with diverse approaches, discover what works, and develop scalable models for broader integration. Every student involved is a success story in motion, and every educator championing the Award is paving the way for an even greater impact. These schools are not just pilot sites – they are proof points for what’s possible 

These stories aren’t just about numbers – they’re about young people stepping into leadership roles, discovering new skills, volunteering in their communities, and building habits of persistence and reflection. Whether it’s students at J.M. Olds Collegiate in Twillingate getting ready to start their Award journey or those in Queen Elizabeth Regional High in Conception Bay South taking full advantage of the Award’s opportunities, we’re seeing a powerful shift toward self-driven growth and achievement. 

At both J.M. Olds Collegiate and Queen Elizabeth Regional High, the Award is being aligned with the Careers course, serving as a practical framework for real-world skill-building and personal development. By embedding the Award into the Careers curriculum, educators are helping students move beyond classroom theory into meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen self-awareness, support goal-setting, and build future readiness. 

This approach not only enriches the Careers class—it gives students a structured, supported way to explore their interests, develop soft skills, and reflect on their growth, all while earning their Award. It’s a powerful example of how co-curricular integration can enhance both academic and personal learning outcomes. 

Supporting All Learners – By Design 

One of the strengths of the Award is its flexibility to meet young people where they are and support their personal growth.  This makes it a powerful fit not just in traditional academic settings, but in alternate learning environments as well. 

In her work with an alternate curriculum in Newfoundland and Labrador designed for students with cognitive and physical disabilities, educator Raelene Butt has seen firsthand how the Award framework supports success in both personal and practical ways. As Raelene shares in this inspiring story, participation in the Adventurous Journey has allowed her students to build essential life skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork while working toward their Gold level. Many of these students, who might not typically have access to such opportunities, found belonging and purpose through their Award – some for the first time in their school experience. 

A particularly unforgettable moment came during a swimming activity, when two students in wheelchairs entered the water for the first time in years. For one of them, it had been six years since she last swam – an experience made possible through accessible planning and the supportive structure of the Award. It happened to be her birthday, and she was so overcome with joy that she cried. 

These kinds of stories underscore why the Award Canada Way is about more than just participation, it’s about creating environments where young people can lead their own development, supported by mentors, trusted by their communities, and recognized for their achievements. 

Driven by Educators. Powered by Young People. 

The growth of the Award in Newfoundland and Labrador wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of educators who believe in the framework’s value. From initial setup to ongoing mentorship, staff members across the province are championing the Award not as an “extra,” but as something essential to student development. 

And young people are rising to meet that support. Across Ascension Collegiate, Holy Heart of Mary High School, J.M. Olds Collegiate, and Queen Elizabeth Regional High, students are actively pursuing their Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and Adventurous Journey sections – reflecting the full strength of the Award’s experiential model. Even in schools just beginning to deliver the Award, we’re seeing strong engagement early on – a sign that this approach resonates. 

A Way Forward for Education in Canada 

At Award Canada, we’ve long believed that education should be about more than tests and textbooks. It should be about helping young people build the character, confidence, and curiosity they need to thrive – no matter what path they take. 

That’s what the Award offers. And that’s what we’re seeing in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador: a commitment to preparing students not just for graduation, but for life. 

This is the Award in action – and it’s only the beginning. 

Read more about the Award as a Co-curricular

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