The Duke of Edinburgh Award has now been running at St Paul’s since 2010. Last year we had our first group of students who started their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Students from year 9 onwards (aged 14) may join the program. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an internationally recognised program for young people, building their skills to equip them for life and work. By creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure, the Award can play a critical role in their development.
The choice to do The Duke of Ed is entirely voluntary and every Award is different. Each Participant chooses what activities they want to take part in for each Section. It is a very personal program that offers young people a structure to fulfil their passions and ambitions in a way that suits them. Apart from the requirements for each Section, and the safety training requirements for the Adventurous Journey Section, the activities a participant chooses to undertake is entirely up to them. They have the freedom to progress through The Duke of Ed according to their personal needs and abilities.
There are four sections that must be completed for a young person to qualify for an award: Volunteering, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journeys. These activities provide an opportunity for students to acquire and develop skills and build initiative and self-esteem which will help them become more confident and contributing members of the community. The Award is highly regarded in many scholarship applications, university applications and employers.
Participants design their own program by selecting activities they are interested in, setting their own goals and striving to achieve their own potential. The Award has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
To attain the BRONZE AWARD students must complete the following Sections:
| Skills: | A cultural or social activity must be pursued, leading to a deeper knowledge of the subject and the attainment of a reasonable degree of skill such as learning to drive (Learners licence), learning to cook, playing a musical instrument or studying a language. (3 months regular commitment averaging at least 1 hour per week). |
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Physical Recreation: |
Participation in an individual or group physical activity. (3 months of regular commitment averaging at least 1 hour per week). |
| Volunteering: | Voluntary unpaid community service spread over 3 months such as peer reading, “meals on wheels”, or surf lifesaving. (3 months of regular commitment averaging at least 1 hour per week). |
*Note: All participants must complete an extra 3 months in one of the above sections.
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Adventurous Journey: |
Complete Preliminary Training, a Practise Journey and then a self – sufficient Qualifying Journey (a total of 2 overnight trips). This will be run through experienced trainers, along with the help of St Paul’s High School Staff. Equipment, other than sleeping bags is available to borrow. This Adventurous Journey section will incur a cost beyond the award entry fee. The level of this cost will depend on how many students attend the camp. Last year through Broken Bay the camp costs the students $150 each. This cost can be subsidised through participant lunch time fundraising. |
Time requirements:
The registration fee for the Duke of Edinburgh program is $140 for Bronze and $150 for Silver, which covers the NSW Duke of Edinburgh administration, the bronze certificate, insurance and school administration costs. Unfortunately this registration fee in non-refundable so please make sure that your child is committed to doing the award.
To learn more about The Award you can go to www.dukeofed.com.au. If you have any questions please ring Jessica Dufty at school on 49586711.
