The Duke of Edinburgh's international award is a program that aims to encourage personal growth in young people by encountering new and enriching experiences.
There are three levels:
- bronze—14+ Years
- silver—15+ Years
- gold—16+ Years.
These involve an increasing amount of personal commitment. However, you do not have to be a superstar to succeed, even in the gold. Each level of the award involves four areas.
Service
The service section of the award encourages young people to volunteer their time to, and understand the benefits of this service to their community. The purpose is to connect with your community and give service to others and their communities.
Physical recreation
The physical recreation section of the award encourages young people to participate in sport and other physical recreation for the improvement of health, wellbeing and fitness.
Skills
The skills section of the award encourages the development of personal interests as well as practical and social skills.
Adventurous journey
The adventurous journey section encourages a sense of adventure whilst undertaking a team journey or expedition. As part of a small team, participants will plan, train for and undertake a journey with a defined purpose in an unfamiliar environment.
If you progress through to gold, there is a fifth component.
Residential project (gold only)
The residential project, completed only at the gold level, aims to broaden participant's horizons through involvement with others in a residential setting.
Many activities that students already do can be counted towards the award, though students are encouraged to challenge themselves and try something new. Doing your best and expanding your horizons at your own pace is what it's all about. The award is a valuable addition to your curriculum vitae (CV), is extremely satisfying and great fun!
Killarney Heights High School is a registered award unit and provides experienced administration, supervision, training and advice as well as coordinating the bushwalking for the adventurous journey. We have been operating the award continuously for 18 years and in that time hundreds of our students have participated. For further information regarding the award please talk with the staff involved or have a chat with one of the many students who have already grown through participation with 'The Duke's'.
Mr K Collins—Award Leader, Killarney Heights High School
You can check dukeofed for further information.