Western Student Connections is proud to be an Award Unit for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award |
About the Award |
How is an Award Achieved?Each young person who takes part in the Award learns a skill, improves their physical well being, volunteers in their community and experiences a team adventure in a new environment. All Participants are supported by a network of adult Award Leaders, Assessors, Supervisors, and mentors. The key elements of the program are:
The Fundamentals of the Award
Award Framework
The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections. The Four Operating PrinciplesThese operating principles (Reference: International Declaration – Article 3) form the mandatory features of the Award. Together with the 10 guiding principles listed below, they form the essential components of the Award. AgeParticipants need to be between their 14th and 25th birthdays to be doing The Award.StructureThe structure of The Award program consists of four mandatory sections: Service, Adventurous Journey, Skill and Physical Recreation. At Gold level Participants also undertake a Residential Project away from home.LevelsThere are three levels of Award: Bronze (for those aged 14 or over), Silver (for those aged 15 or over) and Gold (for those aged 16 or over)Minimum TimeThe minimum period of participation for direct entrants to qualify for an Award is six months for Bronze, 12 months for Silver and 18 months for a Gold Award.The Ten Guiding PrinciplesOne program for all, regardless of location or circumstance.IndividualIndividuals design their own program, which is tailored to suit their personal circumstances, choices and local provision. They start at whichever level of the Award that suits them best and they can take as long as they wish (within the age limit) to achieve their Award. This process is typically undertaken with their Award Leader.Non-competitiveDoing their Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others. Every Participant’s program is tailor-made to reflect their individual starting point, abilities and interests.AchievableAn Award is achievable by any individual who chooses to take up the challenge, regardless of ability, gender, background, or location, with the right guidance and inspiration.VoluntaryWhilst the Award may be offered within school, university, work time, custody or extra-curricular activity, individuals chose to do a program and must commit a substantial amount of their free time to undertake their activities.DevelopmentParticipating in their Award program fosters personal and social development. Individuals gain valuable experiences and life skills, grow in confidence and become more aware of their environment and community, transforming them into responsible young adults. They have the chance to discover their potential through the encouragement and the individual programming provided by volunteers.BalancedThe Award provides a balanced framework to develop the individual’s mind, body and community spirit by engaging them in a range of up to five different challenges.ProgressiveThe Award is about setting goals and working towards these. Activity time undertaken prior to being accepted as a Participant by the Award Leader cannot be included in the minimum participation time requirements. At each level of engagement, the Award demands progressively more time, commitment and responsibility from the Participant.InspirationThe Award inspires individuals to exceed their expectations. They are encouraged to set their own challenges and goals before starting an activity, aim for these goals and by showing improvement, achieve an Award.PersistenceThe Award requires persistence and cannot be completed with a short burst of enthusiasm. Participants are encouraged to continue with activities and to maintain their interest beyond their program requirements.EnjoyableParticipants and Award Leaders should find the Award enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding. |
Documents for Participants |
Participant Application Form (pdf) Participant Award Plan (pdf) Award Requirements for Participants and Parent/Carer (pdf) Award Guide for Bronze Participants (pdf) Award Guide for Silver Participants (pdf) Award Guide for Gold Participants (pdf) |
Links |
Duke of Edinburgh Award Home Page Online Record Book (ORB) - for Registration and Log in |