{"id":23742,"date":"2025-09-18T10:57:27","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T00:57:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/?post_type=article&#038;p=23742"},"modified":"2025-09-18T10:57:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T00:57:27","slug":"the-duke-of-edinburghs-international-award","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/article\/the-duke-of-edinburghs-international-award\/","title":{"rendered":"The Duke of Edinburgh\u2019s International Award"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The year so far has been a wondrous mix of hot-weather swims, cold nights around campfires, sudden downpours, sweeping valley panoramas, and mornings shrouded in fog. We\u2019ve experienced high humidity, been blown away by sea breezes, eaten overcooked noodles and hot chips at caf\u00e9s after long hikes, and all the moments in between\u2014uproarious laughter, wise reflections, the occasional curse, group hugs, and a few well-aimed side-eye stares. Just like fossicking in the dirt, some days reveal a hidden gem, while others shine with treasures from start to finish. That is the nature of journeying in the outdoors.<\/p>\n<p>This term, our Adventurous Journeys have taken participants far and wide. Term 3 saw <em><strong>three Bronze groups<\/strong> <\/em>complete journeys along the Colo River, and <em><strong>two Silver groups<\/strong><\/em> explore Dharug National Park and the Wiseman\u2019s Ferry area. Wet conditions tested resilience, but in true SCEGGS style, our groups remained flexible and agile, embracing challenges with positivity and open minds. The spirit of adventure\u2014and teamwork\u2014was on full display.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-23742 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-medium'>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5119.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5119-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5110.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5110-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5049.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5049-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5041.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5041-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5036.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5036-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5024.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5024-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5018-e1757893601323.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_5018-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4969.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4969-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4964.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4964-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4953.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4953-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4913.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4913-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4910.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/09\/IMG_4910-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>For those working toward their Gold Award, a<em><strong> Gold Residential Project<\/strong> <\/em>opportunity is available from Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October 2025, at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre. Participants will immerse themselves in leadership initiatives, community-building activities, and camping under the stars. Please get in touch with me if you would like more information.<\/p>\n<p>A reminder for all participants: the best approach to completing your <em><strong>Service, Recreation, and Skill sections<\/strong><\/em> is to create a routine and stick to it. One hour per week, every week, is the formula for success. The Award rules are clear\u2014missed hours cannot be \u201cmade up.\u201d For our Year 12s aiming to complete Gold before graduation, consistency is crucial. Achieving Gold before finishing school is no small feat\u2014it is a testament to organisation, dedication, and perseverance, and we are very proud of those striving for this milestone.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, I am excited to introduce our Year 8 students to Duke of Ed and all it encompasses after assessments next term. I encourage them to seek out both current and past Duke of Ed participants to hear stories, advice, and inspiration.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jo Bower<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Duke of Edinburgh\u2019s International Award Leader<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The year so far has been a wondrous mix of hot-weather swims, cold nights around campfires, sudden downpours, sweeping valley panoramas, and mornings shrouded in fog. We\u2019ve experienced high humidity, been blown away by sea breezes, eaten overcooked noodles and hot chips at caf\u00e9s after long hikes, and all the moments in between\u2014uproarious laughter, wise [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":23744,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[],"article_tag":[113],"class_list":["post-23742","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article_tag-duke-of-ed"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/23742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23742"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23744"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=23742"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=23742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}