The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an internationally recognised program for young people aged between 14 and 25 years old, building their skills to equip them for life and work.

Taking part in the Award isn’t easy – it requires commitment over time – but it is simple to get started and after all of the time and effort participants put into the program, they will have achieved something special of which they can be very proud.

Participants have the chance to:
• Design their own Award program
• Set goals and record progress
• Make a positive impact on the lives of others through community service
• Learn valuable practical and social skills for career development
• Be challenged by an Adventurous Journey
• Connect with other Award Participants at home and overseas

Although it is a significant commitment, often participants can continue with activities they are already taking part in, such as sports or volunteering, and count these towards achieving their Award. Otherwise, it could be an opportunity to try something new and develop a passion for something different.

In 2024, Shalom College will be looking at running Bronze and Silver awards with adventurous journeys’ for Bronze in Canoeing and Bushwalking for Silver.

In 2023, Shalom College Bronze award students completed an Adventurous Journey in canoeing on the Sunshine Coast. In previous years students have completed awards at other levels (Silver and Gold) and have completed Adventurous Journeys on the South Passage, a sail training ship, while others did a combination of bushwalking and canoeing Adventurous Journeys. In previous years, I have taken students on the Thorsbourne Trail in North Queensland, the Victorian High Plains, and the Kokoda Track in PNG.

If you have an interest in joining up for the Duke of Edinburgh Award (at any level), feel free to contact me by email david_eke@shalomcollege.com if you have further questions.

Kurt Hahn, the founder of Outward Bound once said, “There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less”. This is the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh award.

Mr David Eke
Award Leader
David_Eke@shalomcollege.com