The Duke of Edinburgh Award

‘Despite the challenges being faced by all, it has never been more important to invest in our young people; to help ensure they are ‘world ready’ and able to face the challenging and changing times ahead’ (The Honourable Gary Nairn AO, Chairman, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia).

Since the reintroduction of The Duke of Edinburgh Award at Wilderness School in 2019, our girls have met the challenge with enthusiasm and commitment. This International Award offers girls in Year 9 and above the opportunity to find their passion, purpose and place in the world. It is about the girls striving to be the best version of themselves and enabling them to go out into the world and make it the best that it can be.

In the first year of offering the Bronze Award to all Year 9 students, we had an 87% completion rate and of those girls, 54% chose to pursue their Silver Award the following year. These results are well above both the national average of the completion rate and conversion to the next level. In 2020 we saw many meaningful service projects. A number of girls were involved in packing treasure boxes for children in need with the Treasure Boxes charity. Other girls gave service to the environment by dedicating time to revegetate areas in the Adelaide Hills affected by bushfires and propagating trees with the Walkerville Rotary Club. Another worthy project was with Sew Nepal. Girls sewed reusable sanitary kits with the aim of providing all girls in the Bhadure School with a kit on our next trip. We enjoyed seeing girls actively engage with their community and learn how to positively contribute to society with the aim of instilling a lifelong sense of service. The girls have been involved in challenges that move them beyond their comfort zones, enabling them to discover their true potential on many Adventurous Journeys in incredible environments within our state. Outdoor pursuits saw them participate in kayaking expeditions on the Coorong and the Ral Ral Creek backwater of the Murray River, as well as bushwalking through Mambray Creek in the Flinders Ranges. It is the girls’ ambition, passion and the change they see in themselves that inspire us to deliver the Award and the reason for offering the Gold Award in 2021. The Gold Award is a prestigious achievement, only reached by approximately ninety young people in South Australia each year.

We are delighted that 22 girls have chosen to pursue the Gold Award this year. Throughout their journey they will develop a further understanding of where their strengths lie and how to overcome some of life’s hurdles. This experience will provide them with a rewarding yet challenging opportunity to walk the Jatbula Trail in the Northern Territory, a 62km journey, departing from Nitmiluk Gorge, traversing the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment and finishing at Leliyn (Edith Falls). We look forward to sharing the success of these opportunities that will test their boundaries and push their limits.

Lauren Walker Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator