HKAYP (Hong Kong Award for Young People)

The Hong Kong Award for Young people is offered to students from year 10 upwards and like its predecessor, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, is part of the International Youth Award. On joining HKAYP students become part of the enormous number of young people all over the world that are participating in similar activities. As such any achievement at, Bronze, Silver or Gold level is recognised world wide.

Through participating in HKAYP students are encouraged to face the challenge of worthwhile leisure activities and voluntary service through which they can discover their hidden abilities and gain a special sense of satisfaction and achievement by overcoming a challenge. They are encouraged to develop their physical activities and to foster a spirit of adventure and discovery through expeditions.

Students in year 10 can join HKAYP as part of the enrichment programme, and many complete their Bronze Award by the middle of year 11. For many students the expedition section is the most challenging as the prospect of camping in tents along with completing a 20km hike is a daunting prospect. A quote from a recent student. ' My legs started to drag behind, and although I knew the trek was not going to be easy, this was far from my expectation. We arrived at camp drenched, exhausted and hungry. But I truly believe that it (the expeditions) was one of the most enjoyable times I have ever encountered during my school activities. Only after I went on expeditions did I truly understand the meaning of 'lessons outside the classroom'. I learnt a lot about myself and my friendships. Not only did the expeditions help us to grow in person, they left inerasable memories.' For many students the service section is the most challenging as they are required to reach out into the community. However the personal development that results enables the students to become more aware of the needs of others less fortunate than themselves, it develops organisational skills and the ability to deal with situations in which they feel uncomfortable.

Silver is offered to those students who have completed Bronze with the assessment expedition taking place in the Spring term of year 12. Successful students may then progress on to their Gold Award with the final assessment exploration taking place in Sichuan, China.

"Over the course of one year of HKAYP I realised that fun wasn't to sit around and play games with my friends, fun was to achieve something and relish in the accomplishment. Relaxation wasn't to sit at home and watch TV, it was to look back down from the top of the hill, grinning at the thought that I first thought I couldn't get up here." Year 11 student