{"id":24474,"date":"2026-01-29T11:55:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T00:55:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/?post_type=article&#038;p=24474"},"modified":"2026-01-29T11:55:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T00:55:40","slug":"the-duke-of-edinburghs-international-award-at-sceggs-2026","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/article\/the-duke-of-edinburghs-international-award-at-sceggs-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Duke of Edinburgh\u2019s International Award at SCEGGS 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A big welcome to our new Bronze participants, and a warm welcome back to those continuing the Silver and Gold levels! We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing holiday and a positive start to the new term.<\/p>\n<p>Over the summer, a group of our Silver participants took part in a Pack and Paddle adventure on the Hawkesbury River, showing great teamwork and determination. Congratulations to everyone who completed this expedition, and to our Gold participants who successfully completed their Gold Residential Projects \u2014 a huge achievement!<\/p>\n<p>A special mention goes to <strong>Coco Espie<\/strong>, who made SCEGGS proud as a Guest Speaker at the Gold Ceremony at Government House. Coco delivered an inspiring address celebrating her Gold Award achievement. Fellow Gold recipients <strong>Avalon Korda, Bridget Murray, Jessica Weatherall, Regan Madison,<\/strong> and I were also honoured to tour Government House and have a special meet and greet with <strong>Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC<\/strong>\u2014 an unforgettable experience and a proud moment for our school community.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Getting Started<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>For our Year 9 students, it\u2019s not too late to sign up for the Bronze Award! Please send your permission note to <a href=\"mailto:joannebower@sceggs.nsw.edu.au\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Joanne Bower<\/a>. Before you begin, take a moment to check the Award\u2019s guidelines on the <a href=\"https:\/\/dukeofed.com.au\/doing-the-award\/\">NSW Duke of Edinburgh website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Taking part in the Duke of Ed is a wonderful way to step outside, try something new, and make new friends. Spending time outdoors is proven to boost your wellbeing, build resilience, and leave you with some incredible memories \u2014 sometimes a little mud and challenge make the best stories!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-24474 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\/2026\/01\/LouLoureading-map.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/LouLoureading-map-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\/2026\/01\/LottieCoulthardpaddlingSilver.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/LottieCoulthardpaddlingSilver-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\/2026\/01\/IMG_8610CocoGold.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/IMG_8610CocoGold-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\/2026\/01\/group-pyramid-twin-beaches.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/group-pyramid-twin-beaches-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<\/div>\n\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-24474 gallery-columns-5 gallery-size-medium'>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/Group-1-canoe-photo.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/Group-1-canoe-photo-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\/2026\/01\/CookingTwinBeach.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/CookingTwinBeach-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\/2026\/01\/campingTwinbeach.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/campingTwinbeach-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\/2026\/01\/bushwalkingSilver.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/bushwalkingSilver-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\/2026\/01\/BothGroupscanoeing.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2026\/01\/BothGroupscanoeing-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<\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>\u00a0A reminder to all participants: plan your practice Adventurous Journey early! Weather, injuries, or co-curricular commitments can sneak up on us \u2014 so getting organised is key. Don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t yet know everyone in your group; some of the most rewarding memories and leadership experiences come from getting to know people outside your usual circle. Sign-ups for all Adventurous Journeys are on Cognito.<\/p>\n<p>The Award encourages independence, so please take responsibility for your <strong>emails, forms, and journey logistics<\/strong>. If you have a clash with sport or another activity, do your best to coordinate and resolve it early, it\u2019s up to you to manage and resolve it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Key Reminders<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Return your permission note and complete your online registration.<\/li>\n<li>Confirm your Assessors early \u2014 if they\u2019re not SCEGGS staff, please ensure they\u2019ve read and returned the NSW Assessor\u2019s Volunteering Guide.<\/li>\n<li>Update your online Record Book regularly with a quick reflective 1 sentence per log!<\/li>\n<li>If you hit any technical snags, contact the Duke of Ed Help Desk at 1300 4 DUKES (1300 4 38537) or email <a href=\"mailto:orb@dukeofed.com.au\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>And most importantly \u2014 keep that positive spirit alive! Every small challenge brings an opportunity for growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We\u2019re looking forward to another exciting year full of discovery, challenges, and laughter. Here\u2019s to exploring new paths, appreciating the beauty of the bush, and making memories that last a lifetime.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ms Joanne Bower<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Duke of Edinburgh\u2019s International Award Leader<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A big welcome to our new Bronze participants, and a warm welcome back to those continuing the Silver and Gold levels! We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing holiday and a positive start to the new term. Over the summer, a group of our Silver participants took part in a Pack and Paddle adventure on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":24481,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[],"article_tag":[113],"class_list":["post-24474","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\/24474","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=24474"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24481"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24474"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=24474"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/sceggs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=24474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}