Junior Duke Programme
The Junior Duke Award Programme is a personal development scheme that encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, develop life skills, and build independence through practical challenges. Inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Junior Duke offers age-appropriate activities for students from Prek to G7, helping them grow in confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility.
Through the programme, students take on tasks such as learning new skills, helping at home or in the community, and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. Each level promotes a balance of independence, creativity, and empathy — all essential attributes of the IB Learner Profile and our school’s mission to nurture well-rounded, compassionate global citizens.
Overview of the Leaders
Ms. Samuels, our Junior Duke Lead Teacher, alongside a team of enthusiastic educators (Ms. Delaney for Pre-KG, Ms. McDermott for KG-1 and Ms. Serrao for Grade 5) who guide and support students through their award journey. Together, they encourage students to set goals, reflect on their achievements, and celebrate personal growth.
Our leaders are passionate about empowering students to take ownership of their learning beyond the classroom — fostering curiosity, kindness, and a spirit of adventure in every participant.
Click here for the Parent Presentation
News & Updates
February 2026
Subject: Junior Duke Challenges during Ramadan
Dear Junior Duke Families,
As we begin the shorter school days during Ramadan, we would like to extend our warm wishes to all families observing this special and reflective month. Ramadan Kareem.
With the adjusted schedule, students may find they have a little extra time in the afternoons. This can be a wonderful opportunity to complete some Junior Duke challenges at home, particularly those that encourage independence, organisation, creativity, and service.
A gentle reminder to students: please do not wait until the end to have your challenges checked. After completing each challenge, come and see your Junior Duke leader or the assigned teacher to have it reviewed and signed off. Regular check-ins help ensure that expectations are clear and that students stay on track.
In addition, throughout this month I will be conducting short Junior Duke check-in meetings from 8:00 – 8:20 a.m. to monitor progress and support our participants. Please look out for an invitation message from myself on Toddle for further details.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing the progress our Junior Duke participants make during this month.
Ms. Laëtitia Samuels
January 2026
Subject: Check in with Ms. Laëtitia Samuels
To support our Junior Dukers, I will be dedicating two time slots to meet with students and parents who would like to check on progress, ask questions or receive guidance.
- Tuesday, January 20: 7.40 to 9.00 a.m. in my classroom F11
- Thursday, January 22: 7.40 to 8.20 a.m. in my classroom F11
Whether your child or you, would like to come by for a question, a chat, or some support, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I will be available during these times and, as always, I am happy to help at other times, just send me an email to arrange a meeting.
Ms. Laëtitia Samuels
November 2025
Subject: Update
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Dear Junior Duke Parents, before the holidays, each student will have the opportunity to meet with their Junior Duke leader to touch base on the challenges they have completed so far. During this meeting, they will also discuss ideas for challenges they could work on during the long holiday period (you might have found a post-it note in their bag with the challenges they would like to work on), a wonderful opportunity to practice soft skills and develop independence in a fun and meaningful way. We hope this will encourage the students to continue exploring and engaging with the programme while enjoying their time off. Wishing you a lovely holiday season, whether here or away with your loved ones. Mrs .Samuels November 2025 |
Subject: Junior Duke Speed Skipping World Championship
Dear Parents, we would like to announce that the Junior Duke Speed Skipping World Championship has officially begun! This global challenge promotes fitness, perseverance, and participation, and is open to all students from Pre-KG to Grade 7, even those not currently enrolled in the Junior Duke programme. Please click here for more details. How your child(ren) can take part:
- Practise at home – Encourage your child(ren) to use a skipping rope and aim to improve their speed each day.
- Record their performance. Capture a short, 30-second video of your child(ren) skipping as fast as they can.
- Submit the video. Upload it using this link.
- Submission dates: Monday, November 3 to Wednesday, November 28
A Junior Duke World Champion will be announced for each year group (up to Grade 7), and there will even be a teacher’s category with its own prize!
Let’s inspire our students to stay active, have fun, and proudly represent Fairgreen in this global challenge.
October 2025
Subject: Checking In – Junior Duke Challenges
Dear Junior Duke Parents,
I hope you all enjoyed the midterm break! I just wanted to do a quick check-in to see if your child has started exploring the Junior Duke challenges over the break.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need any support — I’m happy to help.
If you would like to share videos or photos of your children writing their reflections in their books, working online, or completing the challenges, feel free to send them to me (lsamuels@fairgreen.ae). We have a display board in the corridor by the library, and it’s wonderful to document their progress and celebrate their journey as Junior Dukers.