Support for Duke of Edinburgh continues
Newhaven College has been supporting students to complete the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
For well over 30 years Newhaven College has been supporting students to complete the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh awards.
The Award is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development program, empowering young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance. The Award is a fully inclusive program and has no social, political, or religious affiliations.
Completing the Award has many benefits for future study, scholarships and employability.
The program has international accreditation and is recognised in more than 140 countries. More importantly, the life skills students learn throughout the 6 – 12-month program are invaluable. Skills such as working with others, being self-motivated, being flexible, communicating with adults, keeping records and connecting with local community groups.
The three levels, whether it be Bronze, Silver or Gold, make achieving success accessible for all who are willing to participate.
To achieve an award, each young person must learn a skill, improve their physical well-being, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment. All participants are supported by a network of adult award leaders, assessors and supervisors.
A number of Newhaven College teachers, such as Ann-Marie McLean and Year 9 Co-ordinator Ric Pearce have supported many students through the process over the years.
Ann-Marie McLean understands the benefits of completing Duke of Ed.
“The Gold Award not only adds to your ATAR and differentiates you on your resume, but it also teaches you life-long skills.”
After a four-day kayaking trip on Lake Eildon as part of the team adventure component, 2022 Year 12 student Sasha Allen said “With all the craziness of the first few weeks of year 12 for some of us, I was so grateful to have the opportunity to step back and disconnect from our technology and just live in the moment”.
“I couldn’t recommend the Duke of Ed program enough. It’s such a rewarding and grounding experience, that also helps out with study pathways after Year 12.”
Sasha was presented with his Gold award along with fellow students Chris Axford, Kirsten Sandy and Lara Standish at Newhaven College’s presentation evening in November.
Newhaven College 2016 alumni, Jessica Wayne says her Duke of Ed – Gold award has had a huge impact on her life.
“When I completed Duke of Ed I was motivated to become more involved in my local community and start volunteering, which is something I have kept up.
“It has also led to work opportunities in areas of interest to me.
“As an alumnus of the Duke of Ed Australia program, I applied and was chosen as one of five Australian delegates to attend the 2022 APEC Voices of the Future Program and attend the APEC CEO Summit.
“This year it was held in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside youth delegates from the other APEC economies. I enjoyed engaging with other delegates and working on the draft of the Youth Declaration.”
Students, starting from age 14, are encouraged to participate in the awards. Information sessions are provided, and staff support is there for the entirety of the program. Newhaven College is proud to offer the Duke of Ed Award program to students who choose to take up the challenge.
