Duke of Edinburgh Awards Presentation - June 2013

On Monday 3 June, Duke of Edinburgh students attended a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Award presentation night held at the Legislative Assembly. We congratulate the following twelve Merici current and past students on receiving their Bronze and Silver awards at the event: Monica Canning, Emily Evans, Mikaela Gaarde, Tully Jocumsen, Naomi Lee, Brooklyn Perrin, Courtney Petty, Laura Ting, Lillian Wetherspoon, Clare Ries, Skye Temby, Emma Turner and Hayley Waring.

We also extend our congratulations to Mr David Rodda, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator who has received an Award in recognition of his exemplary dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the ACT. Since attaining his Gold Award in 2006 Mr Rodda has been actively involved in passing on his experience, knowledge and skills to others being an inspiration to those participants aspiring to achieve their respective level of the Award. Mr Rodda has given his time each year as a volunteer in support of the Duke of Edinburgh's Group in the ACT. We congratulate Mr Rodda on his achievements and thank him for his dedication to coordinating and actively participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme here at Merici College.

Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh program enables participants to develop existing and gain new life skills by working through the components of each award level, community service, physical recreation, skill and expeditions. There is a higher level of commitment required at each level of the award, as well as greater expedition challenges.

The Duke of Edinburgh program grew significantly in 2010, with over 30 new participants registering to begin their Bronze Award. In addition, 2010 saw the Duke of Edinburgh program move into the future, implementing an online registration and record book system. This means there is no longer a need for hard copy record books and participants can log on at any time from any location to record and update their progress, communicate with other members of the scheme and register for the next stage of their award online.

The expedition component of the award is generally the most popular. In 2010 we conducted hikes in the Kosciusko National Park, hikes in Namadgi National Park, a 10 day Long Trip to a sheep station outside of Cobar, Bush Skills, Leadership weekends and numerous other activities requiring the students to hike, navigate, demonstrate camp craft and lead others in the experience. These expeditions provide the students with the opportunities to experience things they would not normally get the chance to experience, to challenge themselves; go outside of their comfort zone and to develop leadership skills and initiative.

I am pleased to report that over 10 girls have completed the requirements for their Bronze Awards last year. This has more than tripled the number of award completions in the previous two years and those that have completed should be extremely proud of their efforts.

The fundamental philosophy underpinning all award requirements, challenges and activities is inclusivity. The Marist/Merici Duke of Edinburgh group welcomes all participants regardless of experience, ability or outside interests. I would strongly encourage any student at Merici College to try out one of our weekends and give something new and different a go.

Mr David Rodda,
Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator