The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award is a transformative program that helps students build confidence, make new friends, explore new interests, and discover their place in the wider community. It’s also a recognised achievement that future employers value.
Available to Senior School students (Years 9–12), the program has three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold. To complete an award, students develop a skill, improve their physical wellbeing, volunteer in the community, and take part in a team adventure in a new environment.
The DofE program is truly global, with more than 130 countries participating and over 8 million young people worldwide having completed an award. In Australia, over 775,000 young people have taken part in the past 58 years.
The Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards increase in challenge, helping students set and achieve meaningful goals. Each level has four sections:
The Gold Award also includes a Residential Project, offering participants a unique opportunity to develop teamwork, independence, and leadership.
Suggested timeline for each level:
Completing an award recognises personal growth, persistence, and achievement. Participants are supported by a strong network both within and beyond the College.
To achieve each Award Section and level, students are expected to participate regularly in their chosen activities, building skills and improving their physical and personal wellbeing over time. The program encourages independence and decision-making, helping students to set priorities and achieve goals.
Designed to be inclusive, the DofE framework supports all young people, including Indigenous youth, refugees, students at risk, those in regional or remote areas, and young people with disabilities. Beyond individual growth, it fosters community connection, bringing people and institutions together in a shared purpose of youth development and inclusion.
Through the DofE Award, students are empowered to achieve their personal best while learning to take responsibility for their goals and choices. They become more connected to their community, make meaningful contributions to society, develop resilience and perseverance, and gain valuable life skills.
Participation also enhances future career opportunities and provides experiences that shape confidence, independence, and personal growth.
