The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
Opportunity and Challenge
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is about challenge. It is also about providing the opportunity to accept a challenge. The challenges are not simply to do with hiking from one point to another, or learning a new skill like photography or cooking.
The Scheme offers young people the opportunity to set a goal and achieve it. Along the way they learn about qualities like responsibility, trust and the ability to organise themselves.
There is no competition between participants. The only people with whom participants compete are themselves. Self motivation is critical.
The value in accepting the four challenges set by the Scheme is obvious. Each requires a special dedication, both mental and physical and, while the structure of the Scheme provides specialist help in different skills, it is still up to individual participants to make their own way as best they can. No lectures are provided, no exams are set. Success comes through a conscious decision to accept and take up the challenges.
How the Award Scheme Works
The Award Scheme is a program of cultural, practical and adventurous activities, embracing the four sections of Service, Expeditions, Skills and Physical Recreation.
- Service – to encourage service to others
- Expeditions – to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery
- Skills – to encourage the discovery and development of personal interests and social and practical skills
- Physical – to encourage participation in physical recreation and to improve personal performance
Activities in the four sections are intended to complement each other and provide a balanced program. There are three Awards – Bronze, Silver and Gold. For each award the participant has to fulfil the requirements of each of the four sections of the Scheme in accordance with the conditions set out in the following chapters. There is an additional requirement for the Gold Award – the Residential Project. The range of activities that can be undertaken is almost unlimited.
With the assistance of adult advisers, participants choose programs that meet at least the minimum requirements laid down for each section. In this way the programs accommodate the participants’ interests, geographical location, background, capabilities and available resources.
Participants usually pursue the chosen activities in their own time. Their progress is assessed by adult advisers knowledgeable in each area. In this way both the participants and the adults are encouraged to improve communication and understanding, whilst working towards a common goal.
Although many organisations operate the Scheme, as part of their own programs, participants do not have to join a special group to take up the challenges offered by the Award Scheme. They may take part as lone or independent participants.
There are minimum starting ages for each level (Bronze Award – minimum age is 14 years). While there is no time limit for each Award as such, participants must complete their activities by their 25th birthday. Subject to these requirements, participants may enter for whichever Award is best suited to them. The starting point for entry into the Award Scheme is marked by the purchase of a Record Book, which forms a record of progress through the Scheme. The Record Book purchase price also includes a sum for insurance, which the Award Scheme arranges for all participants and their advisers.
On completion of their Award program, successful participants receive a badge and a certificate presented on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions about “The Duke of Ed” at Oxley College
How Much time will Duke of Ed take?
At a school like Oxley, students are already fulfilling many of the requirements of the Duke of Ed program. At Bronze level, for example, the program could be structured like this:
- Physical Recreation – is completed by regular attendance and participation in ISA or weekend sport or in running, bike-riding, joining a gym…
- Community Service – is completed by achieving the Senior First Aid Certificate. Oxley will organise this. It is a two-day course and will provide students with a very valuable qualification and experience! All students should complete a First Aid Certificate before setting out on an expedition. Community service can also be charity work, junior sports coaching, or any other voluntary community work such as WIRES, Rural Fire Service, the Oxley Choir, Orchestra, Band or being part of Oxley’s major production.
- Skills – is completed by the student continuing with their music lessons or drama classes, or cooking a meal for their family once a week, or stamp collecting or model making….
- Expeditions – two expeditions are required. These will be organised at Oxley for all participants.
Conclusion
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program is an exciting opportunity and challenge for everyone. The Award is recognised around the world and is highly regarded. It is non competitive and inclusive. It is great for self esteem and an excellent way for students to demonstrate leadership, maturity, independence and goal setting.
Oxley College is proud to conduct the Scheme and recommends it highly.
For more information visit the Duke of Edinburgh website
