His Royal Highness Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh, Kurt Hahn and Lord Hunt founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in 1956. HRH created a legacy that continues to inspire young people to explore and discover their full potential. Every student that takes part in this Award will learn a skill, improve their physical wellbeing, volunteer in their community and undertake an Adventurous Journey within a team. There are three levels to the Award: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
The Adventurous Journey component of the Program provides participants with the opportunity to learn more about the wider environment, to develop self-confidence and to work as a team. During Term 1, ASG Bronze Participants completed a demanding journey by hiking 20 kilometres through Mount Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The students crossed rivers and climbed up steep hills, whilst navigating the rocky terrain. In the evening, they cooked their own meals, pitched their tents, and slept under the stars. The teamwork, grit and perseverance that ASG students demonstrated resulted in each person completing the task. Year 10 Peer Support Leader Jenna, shared a reflection during assembly stating, “My Duke of Ed hiking experience was an opportunity for me to achieve something that I never in my life thought I could. I’m so grateful for (having had) this experience.”
Another notable achievement to acknowledge is that of Year 11 student, Mark, who completed his Silver Award. Mark’s weekly physical recreational activity involved cycling up to 15km in an hour, his ongoing skill development involved playing the piano and, finally, Mark volunteered his time educating and enriching the learning of children at his local early learning centre. A five-day hiking and canoeing challenge formed Mark’s Adventurous Journey. He was able to build strong friendships, work interdependently as part of a team and demonstrate tenacity.
Term 3 is a significant time for ASG Bronze Participants. Students will be training for and completing their Qualifying Journey. Additionally, students will be working towards finalising their Award activities.
At All Saints Grammar, we are proud to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. This wonderful program is supporting our young people to develop their character values, attain a growth mindset and build a strong connection with their local and Hellenic communities.
Carly McPherson, Assistant Academic Leader, PDHPE 7-12 and Josefa Calfoforo, Humanities Teacher 7-12
