Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is the most recognised and utilised youth development program in Australia. The aim of the program is to motivate youth to become involved in a balanced program of self-development activities. The Award is conducted at The Hutchins School and students in Year 9 and above (aged 14 and over) are able to join.

The Award is a non-competitive program involving community service and adventure based activities of a practical and physical nature. These activities provide opportunities for the student to acquire and develop skills, initiative and self esteem. Achievement in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, especially the Silver and Gold Awards, has been recognised by many employers when choosing applicants for employment.

There are three Award Levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold with the requirements of each level becoming progressively more demanding. Year 9 students commence at the Bronze level.
Aspects of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award: Community Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey parallel components of the course offered to our Year 9s. This means that some activities undertaken by your son at school during this year, after joining the Award, would count towards their Bronze Award. It is expected that some of these activities would also be further developed outside of school time.

Joining the Award is not compulsory but is available to those who are prepared to take up the additional challenges and learning experiences that it offers. The most important aspect to be remembered is that a sustained interest is required in whatever activities are taken up. At Bronze level, the minimum time commitment for Community Service, Skill and Physical Recreation is 3 months, with an additional 3 months required in one of the three components (e.g. your son may choose to complete 6 months of Physical Recreation, 3 months Community Service and 3 months Skill). There is also an Adventurous Journey component which comprises of a Practice Journey and Qualifying Journey, each being a minimum of 2 days and 1 night.

At the end of the process, participants should develop:

• self belief and self confidence
• an independent and self-motivating attitude
• a sense of responsibility to others and a connection to the community
• life skills - negotiation, research, communication, problem solving and presentation skills
• new friendships and relationships with their peers and older people
• employability skills - teamwork, initiative, enterprise, planning, self management and technology skills

The cost to join at the Bronze Level is $60. This fee covers registration, the cost of the official Record Book, certificates and insurance. A further annual fee would apply prior to the commencement of Silver and Gold Awards, should your son choose to continue.

For further information on the Award you can check out the website or contact our Duke of Edinburgh's Award Coordinator, Mr Anthony Prior, anthony.prior@hutchins.tas.edu.au or 03 6221 4229.