The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an international, non-competitive program of personal achievement run by the Australian Award Office and coordinated by Rochedale State High School.
The Duke of Ed gives students aged 14 to 25 a chance to try new things, learn new skills, explore new places and meet new friends, regardless of ability. The award is recognised by the government and many employers for its value in helping develop the personal abilities of young people. Students also receive points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education on completion of each award level.
There are three levels within the award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level becomes progressively more challenging, and comprises four parts:
- Physical Recreation — encouraging participation in physical activities and improvement in performance;
- Skill — encouraging the discovery and development of personal interests;
- Service — encouraging a heightened sense of awareness of responsibility to others;
- Expedition — encouraging a spirit of adventure and discovery.
Many students already take part in one or more extra-curricular activities inside or outside the school. After joining the Award Scheme, these activities can also count towards achieving their goal.
Rochedale State High School promotes a strong commitment to ensuring our students are offered the opportunity to achieve personal and teamwork success as they prepare for life beyond their schooling years. The Duke of Edinburgh Award gives your child the confidence and the skills to work in a new and changing world.
The Bridge Award
At Rochedale State High School, we also offer The Bridge Award to students aged 11 ½ and older. The Bridge Award is a positive youth development program that is both fun and challenging. It offers young people the opportunity to gain new skills, improve their physical fitness, participate in community service and develop a spirit of adventure. It builds confidence and resilience and is a great introduction for the many young people who progress on to the Bronze level of The Duke of Ed from the age of 14.
Each level has 4 sections students need to complete, with Level 2 requiring a greater commitment than Level 1. The 4 sections are:
- Service — be involved in the community and help others
- Skills — develop personal interests and skills
- Physical Recreation — participate in physical activities and improve fitness
- Adventurous Journey — discover new surroundings, develop a sense of adventure and learning about the environment.
Students design their own program around the things that interest them the most. At Rochedale State High School, we have Award leaders, instructors and assessors who can help students decide on activities for each section.
For more information regarding these programs, and costs involved please contact Sheridan Dodson sdods6@ed.edu.au