The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program provides an opportunity for young people who seek challenge, adventure and personal development.

The program enables participants to acquire useful personal and practical skills as well as encouraging teamwork and commitment. For these reasons, the program and the achievements of participants are widely recognised within the broader community. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet new people, expand friendships groups and have fun beyond the school setting.

Three Levels of Achievement

The program offers three levels of achievement – Bronze, Silver and Gold, and these are available at the College to students from Year 9 to 12.

Bronze and Silver Awards

The Bronze and Silver Awards comprise of four components – the undertaking of a community service, the development of a new skill, participation in outdoor expeditions and in physical recreation. Participants are encouraged to demonstrate independence and initiative by organising and pursuing most of these activities themselves.

A team of College staff members facilitates the expedition component of the Bronze and Silver Award. We provide instruction in bush craft, navigation and first aid and assist students in planning and preparing for their hikes.

Gold Award

The Gold Award is a challenge that is generally undertaken by experienced participants in Years 11 and 12.

Each year we offer an introductory weekend in Namagi National Park for Year 9 students who are interested in joining the program. This is an excellent opportunity for students to experience camping and hiking in a beautiful setting, before deciding whether or not they wish to undertake this significant commitment.

Year 10 Leadership Weekend

A leadership weekend is also offered for Year 10 participants at the beginning of each year. Traditionally, the Year 10 students undertaking the Silver Award assist staff in running the introductory weekend, sharing their own skills and knowledge with the new Year 9 students.

Weekend Expeditions

Throughout the year we offer many weekend expeditions in remote and beautiful areas in NSW including Ben Boyd National Park near the Victorian border, the Budawangs, the Snowy Mountains, the Blue Mountains and our own Namagi National Park.

During these expeditions, the students fine tune their skills in organisation, preparation and test their endurance. Most importantly, participants develop an appreciation of the natural environment.

We are privileged to have such unique wilderness areas so close to home and so we encourage all participants to recognise their responsibility as stewards of this environment – to explore with minimal impact and to protect and preserve these places for future generations.