Duke of Edinburgh

“I felt a real sense of achievement when in my final School year I was presented with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.  Having started in Year 9, I had completed all three levels of the Award. Whilst the journey had been challenging at times, it was extremely rewarding and also lots of fun.  Volunteering at the Salvation Army throughout the program felt like I was really giving something back to the community and travelling to France to complete the Residential Project was a major highlight and great way to finish the program”.  Melissa – Year 12 2009

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is recognised throughout the world as young persons’ leadership, personal development and challenge initiative.  It is entirely voluntary and is structured so that the participants can design their own unique program centered around their personal interests and passions.
Offered to students aged 14-25, there are three levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and each takes a set length of time.  Bronze requires a 3 month commitment to each section, Silver a 6 month commitment to each section and Gold a 12 month commitment to each section.
The four sections to the Award are:
1. Physical
2. Skill
3. Volunteering/Service
4. Adventurous Journey/Expedition
At the Gold level there is also the requirement of a one-week Residential Project.
We strongly encourage girls to begin the program in Year 9 (age 14) and students generally aim to complete the Bronze Level in Year 9, the Silver Level in Year 10 and the Gold Level across Years 11-12.
School camps and overseas exchanges assist the girls in achieving the Expedition/Exploration aspect of the Award, however the Physical, Skill and Service sections must be completed by the student in her own time.  A minimum requirement of one hour per week / per section is the expectation.