Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme’s chief purpose is to give 14-23 year olds a sense of responsibility and self worth. Participants in the scheme have the opportunity to develop and improve skills they already possess as well as begin new ones. There is no minimum standard requirement in the programme, rather participants must demonstrate improvement over time through their regular commitment and determination.

The Programme is divided into four sections and successful completion of all four elements will be required to achieve an award.

Recreation

At bronze level students are required to participate in a physical recreation for a minimum of twenty hours over at least eight weeks. This could be attending school swimming training or playing as a member of a sporting team.

Skill

At bronze level the requirement is to show regular effort and commitment over a period of six months. This could be attending a weekly music lesson (and practising in between!) or learning to knit.

Service

At bronze level this could be assisting in the community for fifteen hours over a three month period or completing a course of instruction in First Aid or Surf Life Saving for example.

Expedition

At bronze level the requirement is to take part, along with a group of friends, in two two-day expeditions. The choice of terrain will be based on the experience of the group with the first expedition led by an instructor and the second assessed expedition, which is led by the group and shadowed by the instructor.

At Helena College our aim is to offer every Year 10 student the opportunity to successfully complete the Bronze level with an option to continue at a higher level in Years 11 and 12.

Training for the D of E begins in Year 9. The students are introduced to the programme and prepare for the expedition component during Year 9 Outdoor Education. A two-day supervised expedition allows the students to utilise their camping knowledge and gain experience that will assist them in planning their Year 10 expedition.

For all of our students the Year 10 camp programme will satisfy the requirements of the expedition element and many students will undertake a course of First Aid in Terms Two and Three and qualify for the service requirement. A significant number of Helena students are active in a range of sporting activities both within and outside the College. Also a high proportion of students are currently studying a musical instrument, thus satisfying the skill requirement.

For most of our students this programme offers a great opportunity to achieve a coveted and internationally recognised award, which will make a useful addition to their CV for many things that they are already doing.

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme please contact the Director of Curriculum.