Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Young Australian Challenge
The ‘Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’ presents an ideal opportunity for students to gain additional credit for school and extra curricular activities, with an internationally recognised award. Approximately 20 students are currently registered with the program as a ‘Registered Unit’.
During their time at college, many busy students find themselves involved in a diverse range of activities. Through D of E they have gained additional recognition for their involvement and have worked toward the completion of the 4 different sections of the award, Community Service, Physical Recreation, Skill, and Expedition, at one of the three levels; Bronze, Silver or Gold.
Here’s a summary of what our students have been involved in.
Expeditions/Explorations
This year candidates have bushwalked in Namadgi National Park. They have practised camp craft, navigation and orienteering. They also walked with students from Narrabundah College in a combined schools’ D of E trip. Candidates can participate in Outdoor Education bushwalks and count them towards this section of their award. Two lucky students planned their own trip to Vietnam. They organized visas, passports and flights and travelled in the school holidays. Another plans to travel to the USA next year, where she will be involved a school ‘Summer Camp’ program.
Skills
This section saw many of you learn to drive, improve your cooking skills, play guitar, complete TAFE courses in Horse Industry Studies, develop photography skills, study computer programming, maths, auto tech, Japanese, needlework, yoga, archery, drama, assist with College radio and improve your reading…just to name a few.
Physical Recreation
What an active bunch! Candidates have participated in tennis, tae kwon do, softball, cycling, soccer, running, netball, swimming, rowing, Highland Dancing, horse riding, gym and triathlon to complete this section of their award.
Community Service
Many students give generously of their precious time (in addition to working, studying and socialising) to help out in our community. Community groups to benefit recently from the efforts of our students were Lake Tuggeranong Rowing Club, Zone 16 Pony Club, State Emergency Services, Air force Cadets and local churches. Some students gained Red Cross First Aid Certificates, whilst others gained coaching certificates in rowing. Over the years students have coached netball, softball, and soccer. Students have been involved with the SRC, Lakewatch, St Vincent de Paul, Cubs, Scouts, old age care and childcare.
Residential Project
The completion of a residential project is a requirement for gold candidates, who must spend 5 nights away from home undertaking training, or assisting in providing a community service. Over the last 12 months, candidates have camped out at Bungendore at Easter to assist staff and young riders at the annual Zone 16 Pony Club camp, another has assisted with General Service Cadet Training at Singleton, one has participated in the ‘Salute to the ANZACS’ Tattoo in Sydney whilst another was fortunate enough to go sailing on the Young Endeavour.
Congratulations On Recent Awards
Congratulations to Jessica Hare on recently completing her Silver Award. Special congratulations go to Kimberley Hare for completing her Gold Award. Kim graduated in 2005 but continued to work with the college to complete her awards during this year. Kim received her Award from the Governor General at Government House in November.
The Future
The D of E award program is a self-paced program. Many ex-students are still working towards their Silver, or Gold Awards and keep in regular contact. Don’t forget you have until you are 25 years old to complete your award and I hope that many of you will continue with your award even after you leave school. Ex-students are more than welcome to participate in school based D of E activities, we can continue to be your ‘registered operator’ and sign your record books.
It has been my pleasure to work with such an inspirational group of young people again this year. Best wishes for the future.
