THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S INTERNATIONAL AWARD

About The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at Pymble

Introduction

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a non-formal education framework, empowering young individuals to explore their full potential and develop essential life skills. Users engage in a series of self-driven challenges across four core areas: Skill, Service, Physical Recreation, and Adventurous Journey. By setting personal goals and achieving them, students enhance their resilience, confidence, and sense of community responsibility. The framework is open to young people aged 14 (or students in Year 9) to 24 and is structured across three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Through participation, students not only earn a prestigious accolade but also gain invaluable experiences that prepare them for future challenges in education, careers, and beyond.

Completing any level of The Duke of Ed demands commitment, initiative, and maturity. It is expected that students electing to participate in this framework will responsibly monitor their own progress and proactively seek assistance from the Duke of Ed Coordinator whenever necessary.

Embrace the Challenge: Why Choose the Duke of Ed Experience?

As a user of the framework you will:

Design your own journey.
Set personal goals and track your progress.
Make a positive impact through community service.
Acquire valuable practical and social skills for career development
Connect with other participants at locally and globally.

By leveraging Pymble's extensive array of co-curricular activities, outdoor education programs, and in-house voluntary services, students can confidently explore their potential and meet the requirements of each level, whether it be Bronze, Silver, or Gold. The supportive environment at Pymble ensures that participants are guided and encouraged throughout their journey, making the pursuit of each level both manageable and rewarding.

Crafting you Perfect Duke of Ed Journey at Pymble

Bronze level: This level generally begins in late Year 8 or early Year 9 and is typically completed by the end of Year 9.
Silver level: Students usually start in late Year 9 or early Year 10, aiming to complete the level by the end of Year 10.
Gold level: This level is often commenced in late Year 10 or early Year 11 and completed by the end of Year 11 or early Year 12.

Students opting for direct entry into the Silver or Gold level, without having completed the previous level, will need to undertake an additional six months in one of their three elective areas.

Photo: The Duke of Ed Participants on an Adventurous Project in Laos.

Registration Instructions

Register for the Duke of Ed via the Online Record Book (ORB) using your Pymble email at www.onlinerecordbook.org. Complete the registration form with Australia as your country, New South Wales as your authority, and Pymble Ladies' College as your Award Centre. Enter the Award Leader’s email: dukes@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au. Verify your email, ensure your parent/carer completes the consent and fee process, and then wait for approval from your Duke of Ed Coordinator before starting. For detailed guidance, refer to the 'Tutorials' provided.