Award SMART Goals

Explore our collection of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Smart Goals and find your next challenge

Goal: To become an effective radio host in communications by mastering the fundamentals of radio hosting and developing a unique radio hosting “voice” within a period of 12 months. I will participate in a radio hosting workshop and two or more internships or courses per month to broaden my knowledge. Additionally, I will shadow experienced local radio hosts, record practice shows and receive feedback from experienced professionals in order to hone my radio hosting skills. I will also create a portfolio and/or demo-tape to showcase my progress.

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My goal for Creative Writing in Communications under the Skills Category is to improve my creative writing skills and to produce three creative writing pieces by the end of 3 months. I will attend creative writing classes twice a week for 1 hour and will also work on extra assignments at home for an additional 2 hours per week. I will read and analyze other creative writing pieces to improve my writing skills, and I will submit my work to online writing contests and platforms for feedback.

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My goal is to develop my knowledge and skills in website production within Communications by creating a simple yet meaningful website by the end of 6 months. To achieve this goal, I will attend an online web development and coding course for at least 3 hours per week and invest an additional 2 hours per week in researching different website designs and learning website-specific coding. I will also attend lectures, seminars and workshops to improve my website development skills and gain the necessary knowledge to create a quality website. Additionally, I will seek feedback from peers, colleagues and mentors to ensure my website meets the requirements.

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My goal for Public Speaking in Communications under Skills Category is to be able to confidently speak in front of 10 people on a given topic within 3 months. To accomplish this, I will participate in weekly public speaking classes for 1 hour and practice speaking publicly in a safe environment. Additionally, I will practice speaking in front of a mirror for 20 minutes each day. I will also attend local public speaking competitions and seek feedback from experienced public speakers to improve my skills.

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My goal is to improve my reading communications skills by reading two books, one non-fiction and one fiction book, per month over the course of 3 months. I will schedule two 30-minute reading sessions a week to read the books and discuss the written content with mentors or peers in order to better comprehend and articulate my ideas on written communication. I will also take notes while reading to help retain the material. At the end of each month, I will write a summary of the books I read and submit the summaries for evaluation to measure my progress.

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Goal: Within 12 months, I will improve my debating skills by attending communications classes twice a week and attending at least one debate practice session once a month. I will improve my persuasive argument techniques by reading related articles and practicing in-class debates with other students and by setting goals for myself. I will also enhance my public speaking skills by participating in two or three debate competitions or mock debates in the next year.

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My goal for Journalism in Communications under Skills Category for teenagers 14-18 years old is to write three articles by the end of the twelve months that cover current issues in the news for a local paper or publication. I will conduct research for each article by reading a variety of news sources and interviewing relevant people. I will use my Journalism in Communications skills to craft stories that engage the readers with accurate and relevant information. I will also revise, edit and proofread each article before submission.

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My goal for Radio Production in Communications under Skills Category is to become well-versed in Radio Production Equipment and Techniques by creating 3 audio pieces within 3 months. During this time, I will follow educational resources about Radio Production, attend classes twice a week for 2 hours and practice at home for an additional 2 hours per week. Furthermore, I will also participate in Radio Production forums to gain insight from professionals and learn new techniques.

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My goal for Poetry in Communications under Skills Category is to become a more confident communicator by writing and performing three original poetry pieces for my peers within 3 months. I will attend poetry classes twice a week for 1 hour and will practice alone for an additional 2 hours per week. I will also join a poetry club to network and receive feedback on my work. Additionally, I will actively participate in poetry writing exercises with my peers to build confidence and learn from each other.

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My goal for Filmmaking and Video Production in Communications within 12 months is to improve my skills in filmmaking by creating a 4-minute video which showcases the unique characteristics of teenagers 14-18 years old. To do this, I will attend a filmmaking class twice a week for 1 hour and will practice at home for an additional 2 hours per week. I will research different techniques and styles of filmmaking, and collaborate with other teens to write an effective script and create a compelling story. I will use the latest software and equipment to create a well-crafted and engaging video by the end of 12 months.

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Goal: To increase my Magazine and Newsletter Production skill level by creating 3 successful Magazine/Newsletter releases in the Communications industry within 6 months. I will dedicate 2 hours a week to research topics, write articles, and design the layout of the Magazine/Newsletter for teenagers aged 14-18. Additionally, I will attend one industry webinar or workshop every month to learn more about industry best practices and stay in the loop with the latest industry trends.

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My goal for Film Studies in Communications under Skills Category is to improve my film production and editing skills by creating a 3-minute video film within 6 months. I will develop a script and storyboard and will be responsible for every aspect of the production, including casting, equipment, editing and audio. I will research film production and attend workshops two times a week to further my knowledge in film production and editing. I will watch movies to draw inspirations and to observe the techniques used by professional filmmakers. I will use my newly acquired skills to create and produce my own film to the highest possible standard.

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My goal for Audio Production in Communications under the Skills Category is to use Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software to create, mix and publish a professional-quality podcast within 3 months. I will take the initiative to learn from tutorials and engage in online communities to improve my skills. Additionally, I will reach out to professionals in the field and look into potential internships to further my knowledge. I will practice for at least 1 hour a day and will use the completed podcast to showcase my skills.

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