Duke of Edinburgh’s Award dates for 2012

Bronze Training:
Feb 16th, 23rd
March 2nd, 16th, 23rd
9am -12pm.

 

Bronze Expeditions:
Practice Hike – Yr 9 Nymboida Camp Term 2, week 2.

Qualifying Hike – September school holidays.

 

Silver / Gold Expeditions:
Expedition – December School Holidays
 

Duke of Edinburgh

Outdoor Education is an important element of a child’s overall education. Through participating in school camps and joining the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme individuals develop leadership skills, self-esteem, resourcefulness, self-reliance and trust in others. They develop the skills to make sound decisions and work effectively in team situations. Students extend their knowledge gained in the classroom and use it practically in the beautiful setting of the Australian bush.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a hugely successful, internationally recognised program incorporating community service with personal endeavour. The Award has been running at PLC Armidale for many years and the level of commitment and enthusiasm for the challenge is as strong as ever. The Award is offered to girls in year 9 and above, who are 14 years and older. There are three levels to achieve, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Each award level requires the participant to complete four elements. They must choose a skill, a sport, volunteer their time for community service and go on expeditions. At PLC Armidale we specialise in Bushwalking, however we have had a few girls who have chosen canoeing and horse riding as their modes of transport.

During term one each year, the new intake of Bronzes undergo pre-expedition training. This training follows the national curriculum required for bushwalking, and includes skills such as navigation, first aid, group skills, hike planning and preparation and camp craft. This training is held at PLC Armidale and is conducted by the schools coordinator.

Year 9’s do a variety of activities at their camp in term 2, including orienteering and bushwalking. This camp covers all requirements for their practice expedition and prepares them for their qualifying hike, which is held in the June/July schools holidays.

When the girls have completed the required hours and period of time for each element of the award, the school’s coordinator signs their record books and they will receive a certificate and a badge. Once each level of the award is completed and signed off they may continue straight on to the next level, i.e. Bronze to Silver, Silver to Gold.

However, if a student wishes to join in the fun and is 15 then she may enter the award at the Silver level. If she is 16 or older then she may enter at Gold level and do what is called Gold Direct. The length of time for Gold Direct changes from 12 to 18 months and the student will have to complete 4 expeditions. While there is no rush to complete each level, (participants have until they are 25) most do prefer to complete it whilst at school,

Expeditions are offered during most school holidays, varying in length depending on the award level and demand.

Students are expected to take responsibility for their progress and must apply to go on each expedition, keep up to date through reading the DOE notice board and listen to the Daily Bulletin for important messages. Parents are informed of each hike through information sent home and forms that need to be carefully read, signed and returned to the coordinator.

This award is entirely voluntary and is non competitive. The students who join get involved in all aspects of the school, make new friends and have lots of fun. This award is fabulous for teaching life skills and independence. Once completed, the world is their oyster!

The following information is from the Duke of Edinburgh’s website:
http://www.theaward.com.au

The following are the minimum time requirements for each section of The Award

	Bronze	Silver	Gold
Physical Recreation	3 months*	6 months**	12 months***
Skill	3 months*	6 months**	12 months***
volunteering	3 months*	6 months**	12 months***
Adventurous Journey	2 days + 1 night	3 days + 2 nights	4 days + 3 nights
Residential Project	N/A	N/A	5 days + 4 nights
Minimum age to start	14 years	15 years	16 years

*Plus for the Major Section:  All participants must complete an additional 3 months in either Fitness, Skill or Volunteering. 

**Participants who have not achieved a Bronze Award must complete an additional 6 months in either Fitness, Skill or Volunteering

***Participants who have not achieved a Silver Award must complete an additional 6 months in either Fitness, Skill or Volunteering Adventurous

Reflections on My DOE Experience - Zita Druce