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:

  • Open to all between the ages of 14 to 25.
  • Three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each progressively more challenging.
  • Four Sections: Physical Recreation, Skill, Service, Adventurous Journey plus Residential Project (Gold Level only).
  • Achieving an Award recognises individual goal setting and self-improvement through persistence and achievement.

The Fundamentals of the Award

  • Regular participation in activities is required to meet the time requirements of each Award Section and Level.
  • Focuses on capacity building by encouraging all young Australians to make independent decisions and to negotiate priorities through participation.
  • Provides a framework that works with all young people in any conceivable situation. This includes youth at risk, Indigenous youth, new refugees, marginalised youth
  • Assists with the provision of social infrastructure in the community and draws together and connects people, institutions and generations with the common purpose of youth development and inclusion.

Award Framework

The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections.
Participants complete all four Sections at each level in order to achieve either their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project.

The Four Operating Principles

These 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.

Age

Participants need to be between their 14th and 25th birthdays to be doing The Award.

Structure

The 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.

Levels

There 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 Time

The 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 Principles

One program for all, regardless of location or circumstance.

Individual

Individuals 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-competitive

Doing 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.

Achievable

An 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.

Voluntary

Whilst 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.

Development

Participating 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.

Balanced

The 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.

Progressive

The 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.

Inspiration

The 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.

Persistence

The 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.

Enjoyable

Participants and Award Leaders should find the Award enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding.

More Information (pdf)

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