Duke of Edinburgh International Award Expedition

By creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure, the Award can play a critical role in their development. The choice to do the Award is entirely voluntary and every Award is different. It is a very personal program that offers young people a structure to fulfill their passions and ambitions in a way that suits them.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program was launched in 2010 at Coomera Anglican College and currently has 99 students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh program (Years 9 – 12) and 85 students in the Bridge Award (Years 7 and 8).

In mid-May this year, our Duke of Edinburgh students participated in their first-weekend adventure for 2023 at Binna Burra.  It was an adventurous weekend filled with exploration and personal growth for our participating Silver and Bronze students.

Led by our capable team, consisting of Coomera Anglican College educators: Ms Sijakovska, Mr Egan, Ms Sugden, Mrs Lyon, and Mr Manson, our students conquered a range of challenging hiking trails including the Tullawallal track, Coomera Falls circuit, and Caves circuit.

However, the weekend was more than just hiking, it was an opportunity for our participants to develop essential skills beyond the traditional classroom setting. They enhanced their map reading abilities, learned to cook dinner on a Trangia stove, and mastered the art of tent setup, all while immersing themselves in the subtropical rainforest environment. Through this hands-on experience, they gained self-sufficiency and a deeper appreciation for nature.

The experience also fostered a sense of camaraderie among our students. Supporting and uplifting one another, they have created lasting bonds and cherished memories. Additionally, we were privileged to have Mr and Mrs Innes-Hill join us on Saturday, enriching the experience with their wisdom and guidance.

This Duke of Edinburgh’s Adventurous Journey marks a significant milestone in our students' personal growth. It was an opportunity for them to embrace challenges, overcome obstacles, and emerge stronger. This journey was not just about attaining accolades; it was about discovering one's true potential, developing resilience, and cultivating a spirit of exploration.