Three students in Year 13 of the Nobel International School Algarve, in Lagoa, received the Gold Prémio Infante D. Henrique “Proud to be the Duke of Edinburgh International Award” from the Duke of Bragança on Tuesday, June 18.
Cameron Dent, Maiya Farrer and Kiara Farrer were all presented with certificates, the culmination of 18 months’ hard work that saw them each develop a skill.
Cameron Dent achieved Grade 8 piano, Kiara Farrer competed in a 1600m open swimming event and completed community service, and Maiya Farrer worked with primary school students with reading. The students also took part in a residential experience, with Cameron attending a Medical School preparation week at Oxford University.
As a team, the students also trained in expedition skills in the mountains of North Wales and then completed a four-day, three-night assessment in the English Lake District, where they walked for more than 80km carrying food, kit and navigating wild countryside.
The Duke of Bragança was accompanied by Luísa de Sá Carneiro Beirão, National Director of the award in Portugal. They were welcomed by Head of School Mike Farrer, Head of International Maria Tomé and Prémio Infante D. Henrique “Proud to be the Duke of Edinburgh International Award” teacher leaders Matthew Harris and Joe Walker.
The ceremony opened with a welcome speech from Kiara Farrer who thanked the Duke of Bragança and his team for coming to the school, highlighting “what an intense, diverse and rewarding experience” it had been. Kiara emphasised the sense of achievement gained and the opportunity it gave her to learn new things about herself and how it left her, Maiya and Cameron feeling better equipped to deal with challenges they may face in the future.
On behalf of the team, Kiara also thanked Mr Matt Harris and Mr Joe Walker for their time, commitment and motivation. She finished by saying: “I feel that this Award encourages discovery, self-awareness, leadership, an appreciation of the environment and essential skills for life and work. I look forward to continuing the lessons learned as I move forward.”
Photo: From left: Mike Farrer, Head of School; Maiya Farrer, Kiara Farrer, The Duke of Bragança, Cameron Dent, Matthew Harris (teacher), Joe Walker (teacher)
