A chance to make a difference

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognised development program for young people aged 14 to 24, was founded in 1956 by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and is now facilitated in over 130 countries. Excitingly, we have officially reintroduced the Award to Fairholme College this year and currently have 37 students participating. The Award consists of three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – each progressively more challenging, and within each level, students complete four sections.

They have opportunities to become more physically active (Physical Recreation), to develop a range of skills (Skills), to give back to their community (Voluntary Service), and to foster a love for adventure and the unknown (Adventurous Journeys). 

Participants have the independence and flexibility to select an activity for each section and to set aspirational goals. They then work towards achieving these goals by logging hours via the Award’s Online Record Book (averaging one hour per section, per week), developing their interests and passions along the way.

Many Fairholme students are already participating in activities they could use towards attaining their Award – pursuits like Cadets, dance, Tony’s Kitchen, netball, debating coaching, equestrian, Homework Help at HumeRidge, cooking, or cross-country are all fantastic options. The Award challenges individuals to try new activities, but they can also tap into what they are already doing.

As part of their Adventurous Journeys, students have the chance to get out in nature, honing their navigation and camp craft skills by embarking upon one-, two-, or three-night hiking expeditions. This is a wonderful way for students to increase their independence and resourcefulness, while immersing themselves in the beautiful Queensland outdoors and forming new friendships.

Through this challenging journey of self-discovery, participants learn to take responsibility for their goals and choices, and to demonstrate persistence and commitment to their chosen activities.

They make a tangible difference to society through their positive contributes to and involvement in their communities, they increase their resilience, perseverance, and ability to overcome barriers to success, and they learn important life skills. They also increase their career opportunities.

If Fairholme students are interested in commencing their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, they should contact Samantha Bear via [email protected] to arrange to pick up a Parental Consent Form.