MES Cairo Pioneer Programme
Ethos & Purpose
The Pioneer Program is an exclusive program for a select number of students in Y/G 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. It is an initiative designed to help students grow and develop their skills and attitudes by engaging in a range of activities that challenge and motivate them to do their best. Pioneers act as role models to all students at MES Cairo and actively support whole-school initiatives and events.Students are awarded badges upon successfully completing each stage of the programme. In Primary, students can earn up to five badges throughout the year, while in secondary school, students can earn up to ten badges. At the end of the academic year, a ceremony is held in the MES Cairo theatre to recognise and celebrate the Pioneers' accomplishments.
Programme
The Primary Pioneers programme offers five badges to be earned in a year, each one categorised as bronze, silver, or gold, depending on their level of application, commitment, and attainment. Badges can be earned by participating in activities outside school hours and completing assignments to gain additional credits. Primary Pioneers are encouraged to make a positive impact in their community and earn their community service badge by contributing to projects such as Keep Egypt Warm, Pink Day and collecting donations for the Egyptian Food Bank.Secondary Pioneers self-select the badges they wish to complete, but they must commit to earning a minimum of three badges in an academic year if they are to pass the year. After graduating from the Pioneer Programme at the end of Year/Grade 9, some Pioneers may wish to continue on to the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
All Pioneers must have an excellent attitude to their learning at all times. To continue the Programme into Secondary, Pioneers must reapply at the start of Year/Grade7. It is important that students demonstrate their desire to continue in Secondary, because it becomes more challenging as their workload increases and many badges happen outside of regular school hours. The rewards for continuing are great, with residential trips out of school and new experiences that students may never have tried before.