Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

A Year of Adventure, Challenge, and Growth

Halfway through 2025, SCEGGS students have embraced the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award with energy and resilience. Around 170 students have already completed their Practice Adventurous Journeys, exploring bushland and rivers across Sydney, the Colo, Kangaroo Valley, and the Blue Mountains. These experiences have not only built outdoor skills but also inspired many to tackle their Qualifying Journeys in the coming months. Recent highlights include a 3-day Silver Adventurous Journey with a scenic hike from Cowan to Berowra Waters and paddle to Twin Beaches on the Hawkesbury. The group was treated to beautiful weather, a foggy morning, and even two surprise “crew members” for the final stretch.

During the last school holidays, our Gold group undertook a memorable 6-day Adventurous Journey in the Kangaroo Valley, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and teamwork. Despite facing challenging conditions-persistent rain, cold, and fog at the start and end-the group maintained a positive attitude, supporting one another throughout the expedition. Midway through the journey, the weather shifted, blessing the team with three days of sunshine. This allowed everyone to fully immerse themselves in the magic of paddling and camping along the Kangaroo Valley River. The group navigated tranquil waterways and camped at remote riverside sites accessible only by canoe, truly embracing the spirit of adventure. Highlights included close encounters with local wildlife: a diamond python basking on the riverbank, a wombat wandering through the undergrowth, kangaroos grazing near camp, and an impressive array of birdlife, including kingfishers and eagles. Evenings were spent gathered around the campfire, sharing stories and playing games beneath star-filled skies. Throughout the journey, students developed new skills in efficient paddling, outdoor living and self-sufficiency-core aims of the Adventurous Journey component. Congratulations to the Gold group for their determination and camaraderie. Their achievements reflect the true spirit of adventure and personal growth that our school community values.

Gold participants also excelled in their Residential Projects, from bush regeneration and cultural learning to outstanding achievements like Coco Espie winning the 2025 Summer Down Under Wheelchair Athletics Track Meet and Chloe Yule participating in a swimming squad camp in Hong Kong. Others broadened horizons through cultural immersion trips and service projects, fulfilling the Award’s aim to learn new skills and/or contribute to the community while living away from home.

For those yet to complete their expeditions, residential or volunteering, opportunities remain open. Holdsworth, a not-for-profit, community organisation based on Holdsworth Street, Woollahra are currently looking for volunteers. Pittwater Eco Adventures has spots available next holidays where participants contribute to real-world conservation projects, like coastal habitat restoration and recycling. They also learn from Aboriginal facilitators about Culture and Connection to Country. Please remember to reach out and make the most of the year. Year 12s are encouraged to log activities and finish reports before academic demands further intensify.

Congratulations to all for your achievements so far. Your adventurous journeys are not just about reaching destinations, but about the growth, friendships, and memories made along the way. I look forward to sharing more adventures and successes in the months ahead.

Ms Jo Bower
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Leader