How is the Framework completed?
To complete each level of the Framework, a registered user must learn a skill, improve their physical well being, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment. All registered users are supported by a network of adult Duke of Ed Leaders, Assessors, and Mentors.
The key elements of this Framework are:
Three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold - each progressively more challenging
Four sections: Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service, Adventurous Journey plus Gold Residential Project (Gold Level only).
Completing the Framework recognises individual goal setting and self-improvement through persistence and achievement.
Time requirements:
Bronze – minimum 3 months
Silver – minimum 6 months for Bronze recipient otherwise 12 months for Direct Entrants
Gold – minimum 12 months for Silver receipient otherwise 18 months for Direct Entrants
Duke of Ed Benefits:
Certificate and Badge to wear on SDs
How to get started?
Cost:
One-off $55 fee covers all 3 levels, badge, certificate, postage and licencing costs charged by the National Award Office.
Getting Started
Setting up activities
There are 4 (+1 Gold) sections of the Framework (Refer to the diagram on the right side of this page). For each of these sections, a registered user must:
Undertake activities regularly without monetary gain;
Meet the minimum time requirements for their framework level;
Show regular commitment, progress and improvement in their chosen activities (Refer to "Logging my hours" section);
Undertake activities substantially in their own time. That is, activities should occur outside of scheduled school, university or work hours, and;
Complete the Framework using AAFC activities exclusively.
Who can be my assessor?
An assessor must be suitably experienced and/or qualified in the field where a participant is being assessed. An assessor must not be a family member.
An assessor (AAFC staff member) must sign and complete the Volunteer Code of Conduct Form (External) and the form uploaded onto the relevant Online Record Book (ORB) section before the chosen activity is approved.
Logging My Hours
Regular participation in activities is required to meet the time requirements of each Section and Level:
1 hour per week;
2 hours a fortnight;
3 hours every 21 days; or
4 hours every 28 days.
Adventurous Journey Section
The Adventurous Journey (AJ) is all about getting out and going on an expedition or exploration in an unfamiliar and challenging environment, with an agreed objective or purpose, through teamwork. There are a number of requirements you must satisfy in an Adventurous Journey:
All members of the group must be involved with the planning and training (Does not necessarily mean you have to plan out the entire bivouac, it could just be part of a navigation exercise);
Activities such as a tourist trip, family holiday or some school camps are not appropriate - You should discuss and obtain approval from your Award Leader prior to commencing this section;
Be supervised and assessed by suitably skilled, experienced and/or qualified volunteer(s). But this must not be a family member;
Your group should consist of a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 7;
Only utilise simple self-catering accommodation (such as tents) and be largely self-sufficient throughout the journey (i.e cooking your own food);
Undertake activities substantially in your own time.
Below is a guide to setting up and completing your Adventurous Journey section: Guide to setting up Adventurous Journeys.pdf
You must complete an Adventurous Journey report for both Practice and Qualifying Journeys. Completed reports are to be uploaded to your Adventurous Journey section on the ORB. AAFC Adventurous Journey Report.pdf
Before Final Approval
Follow the appropriate checklist below to verify that your sections are ready for submission for final approval:
Separating from or Moving into AAFC?
Registered users wishing to transfer their Awards into or out of the AAFC are to complete the transfer form linked below. Please note that outbound transfers to State Award Operating Authorities (AOA) may incur a fee due to the difference in the pricing structure.
218SQN has one of the highest levels of participation in the Award program across the AAFC.
Squadron Duke of Ed Coordinator Email: sdeac.218sqn@airforcecadets.gov.au
Promotional Powerpoint
For internal use at SQN/WG Presentations. Presenter should refer to slide notes/annotations for suggestions on how the slide should be delivered.
Participant Documents
