From hiking and fitness challenges to volunteering within their communities, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a cornerstone of Newington’s outdoor education program, fostering resilience, motivation and a commitment to service.

A globally recognised youth program, the Award encourages participants to stretch beyond their comfort zones, strengthen practical and interpersonal skills, give back to their communities, and undertake purposeful outdoor adventures. At Newington, it is also intentionally aligned with our ethos of Great Hearts, Inspired Minds, and Strong Wings.

‘Strong Hearts are formed by shaping students who act with compassion, demonstrate integrity, and contribute positively to others, learning to lead with empathy and purpose,’ says Mrs Katie Goldsmith, Award Leader at Newington.

‘Inspired Minds are cultivated as Duke of Ed encourages students to explore, reflect, and extend themselves beyond the classroom, and Strong Wings are enabled as students are equipped with the confidence and independence to take flight in their future pathways and take ownership of their personal development.’

The Award is offered in three progressive stages, Bronze, for participants 14 years and older; Silver, 15 years and older; and Gold, 16 years and older. Each of these levels demands increased independence, reflection, and perseverance, with participants required to successfully complete each of the following: Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills and Adventurous Journey. Gold Level also includes the Gold Residential Project, an immersive experience where participants remain away from home for at least four nights, engaging in a purposeful activity with a group of people who were not previously known to them.

‘This year, our students completed their Gold Residential Projects through experiences including the Newington College Red Centre Tour and youth development camps, while their Adventurous Journeys challenged them through the Annual Cadet Camp, trekking in New Zealand, completing the Great North Walk in New South Wales, and participating in an environmental conservation project in Pittwater,’ says Mrs Goldsmith.

Several of our Class of 2026 were recognised this year for their successful completion of the Gold Award. Liam M-Z completed more than 52 hours in each section over a period of 12 months, including voluntary service supporting an elderly community member, seven days of trekking in the Cadets program, and a French language exchange for his Gold Residential Project. Meanwhile, Jake P, Massimo Z, Angus Y, Angus E and Aidan Z completed a combined 273 hours of service, skills, and physical recreation; approximately 12 days of trekking, and a five-day residential project.

‘Throughout their journeys, they demonstrated exceptional dedication to voluntary service,’ says Mrs Goldsmith.

‘These students have contributed to their communities through roles such as volunteering at the Anglicare Op Shop in Newtown, supporting primary school students in an after-school care program, coaching swimming, gardening for community members in need, and providing mathematics tutoring to help younger students develop their skills.’

As a student-led, independent program, the Award empowers each participant to design an experience aligned with their passions, strengths, and interests.

‘The Duke of Edinburgh Award recognises far more than academic success – it develops resilient, compassionate and capable young people who understand the value of serving others and engaging with their communities and recognise that their actions can make a meaningful difference to the lives of those around them,’ says Mrs Goldsmith.

Did you know?

• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a voluntary part of our outdoor education co-curricular offering at Newington.
• Newington offers more than 50 co-curricular sports, clubs and activities so every student can discover their passion.
• Students achieve academic excellence through a rigorous academic, wellbeing and co-curricular education that cares for the whole child and helps produce kind, curious and courageous global citizens. 

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