Cambridge International and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award are increasing their partnership activity to focus on innovative ways to support schools, parents and young people during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way in which young people are being educated around the world. According to UNESCO, the global scale of education disruption is unprecedented, with more than 1.5 billion learners affected by school closures. In turn schools and parents are seeking digital solutions to support young people remotely.

Cambridge International and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award partnered in 2018 to offer a holistic formal and non-formal education solution for young learners. As the world faces the challenges of COVID-19, both organisations are committed to supporting teachers, parents and carers to motivate young people to stay active, engaged and positive during this time, whilst also continuing their education remotely.

The importance of a holistic education

By offering the Award as a non-formal education and learning tool alongside Cambridge International’s academic programmes, schools can give students a holistic education. In particular, the Award helps to foster resilience and adaptability in participants;  attributes which are vital in the current climate. Similarly, the Cambridge learner attributes encourage responsibility and innovation so that learners can adapt flexibly to new and challenging situations.

Support while schools are closed

Cambridge International and the Award will continue working together to help schools keep formal and non-formal learning going and help learners stay motivated, engaged and connected, during these challenging times.

Please find some support and information below:

Delivering the Award when school is closed

Teaching and learning when school is closed

Supporting students remotely during times of uncertainty

A message of support:

A message of support from HRH The Earl of Wessex and John May

Web learning

Beyond lockdown

New challenges will present themselves in and outside the classroom as the world begins to recover from the effects of Covid-19. We believe that a holistic approach will help young people to navigate these challenges, adapt to a new ‘normal’ and maintain strong mental and physical health. Both organisations are committed to supporting parents, teachers, carers and young people throughout this time.

Please find resources for managing the transition back to school below:

Teaching and learning when school returns

We will keep updating our resources, so please bookmark the support pages listed above and check back regularly.