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Participants

How do I register for the Duke of Ed Framework?

If your school or organisation is an Award Centre, your Award Leader will be able to assist you.

If you have the information you need and are ready to start, you can register all your details through the Duke of Ed Online Record Book (ORB), and once your registration is approved by your Award Leader, you will be able to track your Award activities and progress.

If your school or organisation is not an Award Centre, download this information sheet and chat with your Principal, Year Leader or PDHPE Teacher at school.

Further to this please contact your Duke of Ed State or Territory Office to discuss possibilities of using the Duke of Ed through one of our Open Award Centres.

Who do I pay The Duke of Edinburgh’s registration fee to?

You will need to pay your fees to your school/organisation before you start your Duke of Ed Award. Please speak to your Award Leader for instructions on how to do this.

Please also refer to Registering to do your Award.

Do I need to get permission from my parents and school/organisation to do my Award?

If you are under the age of 18 you will need to get permission from your parent/guardian to do your Award. There are two ways you can do this

  • Enter their email address when you complete your Participant Registration online. Your parent/guardian will receive an email asking them to provide their consent, or
  • Get your parent/guardian to complete and sign the Parent/Guardian Consent - Section 2 of the Participant Application Form - U18. This completed form must be returned to your Award Leader.

Learn more here

Do I need to be accepted by my Award Leader before I start any Duke of Ed related activities?

Yes, your Award Leader must accept you as Participant before you start any of your Duke of Ed activities. This is usually after you have registered your interest via the Online Record Book (ORB), got your parent/guardian’s consent (via Section 2 - Parent/Guardian Consent in the Participant Application Form - U18 , or through the ORB), completed any school/organisation permission form (if required), and paid your fees.

Learn more here

Can I change from one activity to another?

You do not have to undertake the same activity for the entire required time (especially if you are doing an activity for six months or more). You may choose, for example, two activities such as a winter sport followed by a summer sport that can spilt over the required time. Remember if you change Assessors you will need to notify your Award Leader as soon as possible.

Can I take a break during my Award?

Yes, you can take a break in any of your activities, if you need to. Remember you will need to make up for the time you have missed during the break. For example, if you have completed two months of a six-month Section, and you have a one-month break because of exams, you just need to complete the remaining four months after your exams.

How different do my activities need to be for each Section?

To encourage balance in your Award, it is encouraged you pick activities that are not too similar to each other. For example, if you are passionate about rugby league you can play in a team for your Physical Recreation and Volunteer with your local club e.g., fundraise for the club or assist in the canteen. Remember that the Award Framework is designed to stretch you, so try to select activities and set goals that challenge you in different ways.

Do I have to know what my activities will be for each Section before I can start my Award?

It is recommended that you provide details of your Award activities in a Participant's Award Plan, available from your Award Leader. However, if you have not finalised all details for a Section activity, you can still start the other Sections and provide these details at a later date. Remember your Assessors will need to be approved by your Award Leader before you start any Duke of Ed related activities with them.

Learn more here

Do school or work activities count?

Award activities should be done mostly in your own free time. You should not be paid for any activities that you will count towards your Duke of Ed.

Can I do my Award along with Scouts / Surf Life Saving / Cadets etc.?

Yes, if you are already involved with an organisation, you can count the activities you do with them towards your Duke of Ed Award.

I am already doing an activity; can I do the same activity for my Duke of Ed?

You can continue with an activity you were doing before you started your Duke of Ed. For example, if you have been playing a musical instrument you can keep on doing this, however you cannot count what you did before you started your Duke of Ed.

I missed an Adventurous Journey that my school/organisation arranged, what should I do?

If you missed or could not attend an Adventurous Journey, you will need to speak to your Award Leader to arrange a suitable alternative.
Remember, all Participants must:

  • Ensure they discuss and get approval from their Award Leader prior to undertaking Adventurous Journeys. This includes all Practice Journeys and all Qualifying Journeys.
  • Obtain written parent/guardian consent prior to departing on each journey (if they are under the age of 18).
How do I get an Assessor for my activities?

You will need to arrange an experienced and/or qualified adult to act as an Assessor for each activity. You may already know this person, or they may be someone completely new to you. The best way to ask them to be your Assessor is to contact them in person or by phone.

Alternatively, you can speak to your Duke of Ed Award Leader to check if they know someone who can act as your Assessor. Your Award Leader must approve your Assessors before you start any Duke of Ed activities with them.

Does my Assessor have to be with me every time I engage in my regular activities?

Your Assessors do not have to be with you each time you engage in your regular activities i.e., they may check in with you every two to four weeks via phone or email to see how you are progressing. They may also track your progress via the Online Record Book (ORB) or NSW Offline Records.

Do I have to arrange all my Assessors before I start my Award?

It is recommended that you have all your Assessors approved by your Award Leader before you start your Award. However, if you have not finalised an Assessor for a Section, you can still start the other Sections as long as the Assessors have been approved by your Award Leader.

I have already started my Award but I want to change my level?

You are encouraged to complete the Award level you have started. However, should you need to change levels, please firstly discuss the extra requirements and fee with your Award Leader and then contact the state/territory office about the change. Contact us.

Who can I contact if I am having difficulties with the ORB?

You can contact the Online Record Book Helpdesk on 8280 8600 (Option 1) or orb@dukeofed.com.au

What do I do if I have forgotten my password to the Online Record Book (ORB)
What is an Open Award Centre (OAC)?

If your school or organisation doesn’t use the Duke of Ed Framework you can contact an Open Award Centre (OAC). An OAC is an Award Centre without membership restrictions. It is a way for Participants to complete their Award when the Award is not offered at their school, university or local organisation.

Add last sentence – To find out more contact your State or Territory Team    

Some young people do not have access to organisations which deliver the Award, but the OAC can bring the Duke of Ed to you! It is also a useful way for participants to transfer their Award registration when leaving their school/club and are keen to complete their Award.

What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, bringing together practical experiences and life skills to create confident and committed global citizens. It helps young people find their purpose, passion and place, equipping them for life and making them #WorldReady. Since it was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, over 8 million people have participated in the Award.

Parents and Guardians

How does my Young Person register for the Duke of Ed Framework?

If your young persons school or organisation is an Award Centre, their Award Leader will be able to assist them. 

If you have the information you need and are ready to start, you can register all your your person through the Duke of Ed Online Record Book (ORB), and once their registration is approved by their Award Leader, you will be able to track your Award activities and progress.

If your young persons school or organisation is not an Award Centre, download this information sheet and chat with their Principal, Year Leader or PDHPE Teacher at school. Further to this you can contact your Duke of Ed State or Territory Office to discuss possibilities of using the Duke of Ed through one of our Open Award Centres.

My son/daughter missed the Adventurous Journey being run by the school/organisation, what can they do?

If your son/daughter missed or could not attend their Adventurous Journey, they will need to speak to their Award Leader to see if the school/organisation is running any other Journeys that may be suitable. They may be able to provide you with information about Outdoor Education Providers who can deliver Adventurous Journey options for your son/daughter.

Remember, Participants must:

  • Ensure they discuss and get approval from their Award Leader prior to undertaking Adventurous Journeys. This includes all Practice Journeys and all Qualifying Journeys.
  • Obtain written parent/guardian consent prior to departing on each journey (if they are under the age of 18)
My son/daughter is doing a team/individual Physical Recreation activity and I am the coach, who can act as their Assessor?

They will need to arrange another experienced and/or qualified adult to be their Assessor. This may be another coach or the club/organisations manager.

How do I give permission for my son/daughter to do their Duke of Ed?

Participants under the age of 18 will need to get permission from their parent/guardian to do their Award. This can be done one of two ways:

  • Participants enter their parent's/guardian's email address when they complete their Participant Registration via the Online Record Book (ORB). Parents/guardians will then receive an email asking them to provide their consent online, or
  • Parents/guardians complete and sign the Parent/Guardian Consent - Section 2 of the Participant Application Form - U18. This completed form must be returned to the Participant’s Award Leader.

Learn more in our Parent and Guardian resources.

Can I be an Assessor for my son/daughter or brother/sister?

In most circumstances, Assessor(s) should not be immediate family members. This is to maintain the integrity of The Award. Alternate Assessor options may include:

  • cooking (Skill Section) - Food Technology teacher
  • reading (Skill Section) – English teacher
  • fitness (Physical Recreation Section) – Health and Physical Education teacher
  • if a parent is the Participant’s sport coach (Physical Recreation Section) – PE teacher

The Participant’s Award Leader can also act as an Assessor if an alternative Assessor cannot be found.

Who do I pay The Duke of Edinburgh’s registration fee to?

You will need to pay your fees to your school/organisation before you start your Duke of Ed Award. Please speak to your Award Leader for instructions on how to do this.

Learn more here.

Award Leaders and Centers

I want to deliver the Duke of Ed in my school/organisation, what do I need to do?

To deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in your school/organisation you will need to apply to become an Award Centre and nominate an Award Leader. 

If you’d like to know how to become an Award Centre, you need to contact your State or Territory Office.

The Award Leader must then agree to comply with the requirements. You can view the roles and responsibilities here. Relevant application form and payment must be returned to the State Division. Upon successful application an Award Leader Resources information pack will be sent to you to assist you in getting The Duke of Ed up and running in your school/organisation.

I am no longer the Duke of Ed Award Leader at my school/organisation, what do I need to do? 

Please contact your State or Territory Office

 

 

What should I do if I am not experienced and/or qualified to act as an Adventurous Journey Supervisor?

You may like to consider hiring a qualified and experienced Outdoor Guide or outsourcing your Adventurous Journey to an Outdoor Education Provider. Some Outdoor Education Providers are familiar with the Duke of Ed Adventurous Journey requirements and can offer you various options dependent on your Participant’s Award level and outdoor background. You can do an internet search to find Outdoor Education Providers in your area. REMEMBER: The Outdoor Education Provider MUST comply with the Adventurous Journey requirements as outlined in the current National Duke of Ed Handbook. Please also ensure the Outdoor Education Provider complies with the Risk Management standards and requirements of your school/organisation.

Remember, Participants must:

  • Ensure they discuss and get approval from their Award Leader prior to undertaking Adventurous Journeys (this includes all Practice Journeys and all Qualifying Journeys).
  • Obtain written parent/guardian consent prior to departing on each journey (if they are under the age of 18)
How do I archive Participants?

To place an account to "Archive" please check this screenshot: 

image with directions on how to archive Participants

Go to the participant's account page. Click Active - click Archived button.
To search for previous accounts placed under "Archived". Click the tab "Browse current Level" then click participants. Place a tick mark on the box for "include closed" then sort the first name column of the participants by clicking it and it will show under the status column the accounts that are currently active and archived.

Assessors and Supervisors

Do I need to be with the Participant each time they engage in their activity?

The frequency of the contact and monitoring between the Participant and the Assessor will depend on the activity and the age/level of independence of the Participant. As a guide every 2-4 weeks may be appropriate.

How do I assess Participants Activities?

The Participant records their activities in their Online Record Book (ORB) and will then print off a summary and present this to you for completion. The Participant will then scan and upload this Summary/Report to their ORB.

If the Award Centre is using the ORB Assessor registration and management module,  you will be able to view these activity logs online once you are registered and approved as an Assessor. When a Participant completes their requirements for an activity, they will request via the ORB for the you to review their logs and submit an online report that reflects on the Participant’s effort and learnings. The activity summary can also be downloaded and provided as a paper copy. This can also be an email with a link that they complete online and submit.

What do I do if a Participant has not met the requirements for their Section e.g., they have not engaged in the activity over the required number of months or shown commitment and improvement, or achieved their goal?

There is no such thing as failure in the Duke of Ed. If a Participant has not met the requirements of a Section, the Assessor should discuss their concerns with the Participant. The Participant should then be encouraged to finish the requirements of that Section.

Do I need to be approved by the Participant’s Award Leader before being able to assess their activity?

Yes, all Assessors must be approved by the Participant's Award Leader before you start any Duke of Ed activities with them.

Online Record Book

Participant and Award Leader Resources

A list of useful resources for Participants and Award Leaders using the Online Record Book is available here 

 

Partnerships

Duke 4Sport

Which other sporting organisations are using this, and do you know why?

We have a large variety of partners Australia wide that support the Award. You can find a list of partners here

Why?

To enhance and strengthen their code by aligning with the Award and its values as an internationally recognised framework and the development opportunities it provides for young people.

By becoming a Duke 4Sport partner, clubs and associations will not only have the opportunity to assist and deliver a globally recognised Award but will also enhance their ability to attract and retain players, as well as securing regular and ongoing volunteers that will be hugely beneficial to the club.

What does a Duke 4Sport Partner do? 

A Duke 4Sport Partnership creates a link between the Physical Recreation, Skill and Voluntary Service Sections of the Award Framework.

By becoming a Duke 4Sport partner, clubs and associations will not only have the opportunity to assist and deliver a globally recognised Award but will also enhance their ability to attract and retain players, as well as securing regular and ongoing volunteers that will be hugely beneficial to the club.

A Duke 4 Sport Partner is required to reference The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia by acknowledging the Award on their member registration form with the official 'Proud to Support' logo and wording:

"We recognise that some of our members are completing The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and may be using this sport and club membership to complete one or more sections of their Award. Are you using this sport for your Duke of Edinburgh's International Award?"

What are my obligations?

To adhere to the agreed terms on the application form.

What is the cost?

There is no cost associated with becoming a Duke 4Sport Partner, only recognition of the Award. The value for our organisation is not financial but one of increased brand recognition and positioning to encourage more young people to start their Award journey.

Do I need to report to the Duke of Ed?

No, not formally. We will touch base from time to time to see how you are doing, how the Award is impacting your organisation and your young people.

If I agree to this, will I need to allow all other youth organisations to also be recognised?
  • The Duke of Ed is not a membership youth organisation
  • It is a non-formal education and learning framework which organises and accredits activities undertaken by youth organisations
  • Effectively the Duke of Ed is an educational organisation
  • All major youth organisations use the Duke of Ed Framework.
  • By recognising the Duke of Ed, you are also embracing the majority of the youth organisations e.g., Scouts, St John, Guides Surf Life Saving, PCYC
Will you be following up or providing support if we need it?

Yes. We will be available to answer questions that arise. You will be provided a toolkit to support your internal and external communications and recognition of the Award. Further to this our team will touch base from time to time to see how things are going.

If I can’t add the questions to the application form can I recognise the Duke of Ed some other way?

Yes, on your website, during the university application process and on other material identifying our organisation as a Tertiary Partner.

How or where can I use the Duke of Ed logo?

You can use The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Australia ‘Proud to Support’ Logo on your website and other material identifying our organisation as a Duke of Ed Employer Partner.

How will you be referring to our sports club?

Via our website with your logo and endorsement

As a Duke 4Sport Partner if we cannot add the questions on our Player Registration Form, how else can we recognise Award Participants?

On your website and through your marketing and communications.

As a Duke 4Sport partner what do we do with players who identify that they are doing/using Duke of Ed?

You can create a link between the Physical Recreation Section of the Award & the Voluntary Service Section of the Award.

As a Duke 4Sport partner what do we do with players who are not using Duke of Ed and want to?

If your organisation is not a Licenced Award Centre direct them to our website or have them call their State or Territory Duke of Ed office to find their nearest Award Centre.

How is our commitment confirmed and is this agreement for a fixed period and if it is how is it renewed?

Your commitment is confirmed through a welcome email, certificate and exchange of logos. The period is for 2 years and will roll over as renewed unless agreed otherwise.

How do these partnerships benefit Participants?

By partnering with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award you provide additional value to young people by developing their teamwork, goal setting, perseverance and leadership skills.

How does the Duke 4Sport Partnerships benefit the Award?
  • Increase brand recognition and positioning to encourage more young people to start their Award journey
  • Strengthening links between young people, their peers, and their local community
  • Helping young people develop long terms habits around physical activity and community engagement

Duke of Ed Employer

Which other employers are using this, and do you know why?

We have a large variety of partners Australia wide that support the Award. You can find a list of partners here

Why?

Through the Duke of Ed Employer program, employers can more easily recognise work-ready candidates. This can reduce recruitment costs, more easily identifying candidates with life experience and proven skills.

What does a Duke of Ed Employer do? 
  • They recognise the Award in the recruitment process. They ask the question “Have you achieved the Duke of Ed” on their application forms and in interviews (graduate / apprentice / internship etc). They know that for those young people that answer yes, it is an indication of what they can expect in terms of character and application; in the ability to do the job effectively, not just get the job.
  • Some Duke of Ed Employers also use the Award as an inexpensive development program as part of their retention of valuable employees/upskilling emerging leaders.
  • And others integrate the Award Friends (link to Award Friends) giving program into the organisation’s workplace giving initiatives.
What are my obligations?

To adhere to the agreed terms on the application form.

Do I have to offer Award Holder’s any advantages?

No, however an acknowledgement of the Award during the recruitment process is required.

What is the cost?

There is no cost associated with becoming a Duke of Ed Employer only recognition of the Award. The value for our organisation is not financial but one of increased brand recognition and positioning to encourage more young people to achieve their Award.

There is no cost to becoming a Duke of Ed Employer, just the official integration of the questions into the organisations existing recruitment process and interview questions.

Many organisations already do this informally as HR and recruitment managers know the value of the Award. By formalising it, we are sending a sign to young people that the Award is something very valuable in the marketplace and can influence their success in recruitment.

Do I need to report to the Duke of Ed?

No, not formally. We will touch base from time to time to see how you are doing, how the Award is impacting your organisation and your young people.

If I agree to this, will I need to allow all other youth organisations to also be recognised?
  • The Duke of Ed is not a membership youth organisation
  • It is a non-formal education and learning framework which organises and accredits activities undertaken by youth organisations
  • Effectively the Duke of Ed is an educational organisation
  • All major youth organisations use the Duke of Ed Framework.
  • By recognising the Duke of Ed, you are also embracing the majority of the youth organisations e.g., Scouts, St John, Guides Surf Life Saving, PCYC
Will you be following up or providing support if we need it?

Yes. We will be available to answer questions that arise. You will be provided a toolkit to support your internal and external communications and recognition of the Award. Further to this our team will touch base from time to time to see how things are going.

If I can’t add the questions to the application form, can I recognise the Duke of Ed some other way?

Yes, on your website, during the interview/recruitment process and on other material identifying our organisation as a Duke of Ed Employer Partner.

How or where can I use the Duke of Ed logo?

You can use The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Australia ‘Proud to Support’ Logo on your website and other material identifying our organisation as a Duke of Ed Employer Partner.

How will you be referring to our company?

Via our website with your logo and endorsement.

How is our commitment confirmed and is this agreement for a fixed period and if it is how is it renewed?

Your commitment is confirmed through a welcome email, certificate and exchange of logos. The period is for 2 years and will roll over as renewed unless agreed otherwise.

As an Employer what evidence is there to support the claim that participants gain many of the skills, behaviours and attitudes employers are looking for in new recruits such as:

  • communication
  • team working
  • decision-making
  • perseverance
  • organisation
  • self-confidence
  • citizenship
  • leadership
  • resilience

Both formal independent research into the Duke of Ed and anecdotal evidence from employers, universities, schools, parents and participants around the world cite the Duke of Ed as one of the most valuable and impactful programs available to young people. The value of non-formal education, in particular the Duke of Ed, in building more well-rounded people is also being recognised in addition to academic qualification by domestic and international employers and tertiary admissions programs.

How do these partnerships benefit Participants?

By partnering with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Australia you provide additional value to young people by developing their teamwork, goal setting, perseverance and leadership skills.

Duke of Ed Employers recognise that young people who have achieved The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award can demonstrate initiative and skills that will be considered as part of their application.

How does the Duke of Ed Employer benefit the Award?
  • Increase brand recognition and positioning to encourage more young people to start the Award
  • Strengthening links between young people, their peers, and their local community

Tertiary

Which other tertiary organisations are using this, and do you know why?

We have a large variety of partners Australia wide that support the Award. You can find a list of partners here

Why?

When you look at a potential student’s application and see that they have achieved the Award you know the student has commitment, discipline and determination and that they have ventured outside of their comfort zone to excel and develop their interpersonal, employability and practical skills.

What does a Tertiary Partner do? 

Partnerships are built around one or more of the following key outcomes:

Entry Pathway

  • Offering additional entry points for Gold Awardees, eg UNSW
  • Early entry offers for Awardees e.g., Latrobe University

Advocate

  • Link your university leadership or extra-curricular program to the Duke of Ed
  • Promote the Award to university clubs and societies
  • Encourage participation in the Award e.g., have a joint information brochure and web site reference
  • Become a Duke of Ed Employer (recognise Awardees at your recruitment stage)

Deliver the Award

  • Being licenced to deliver the Award your university can influence the activity options so as to best align with your university’s priorities. e.g., ACU

Level 2 Training for Bachelor of Education Students

  • As a Duke of Ed Tertiary Partner, you can offer your Bachelor of Education Students the opportunity to complete their Award Leader Level 2 Training
What are my obligations?

To adhere to the agreed terms on the application form.

What is the cost?

There is no cost associated with becoming a Tertiary Partner, only recognition of the Award. The value for our organisation is not financial but one of increased brand recognition and positioning to encourage more young people to start their Award journey.

Do I need to report to the Duke of Ed?

No, not formally. We will touch base from time to time to see how you are doing, how the Award is impacting your organisation and your young people.

If I agree to this, will I need to allow all other youth organisations to also be recognised?
  • The Duke of Ed is not a membership youth organisation
  • It is a non-formal education and learning framework which organises and accredits activities undertaken by youth organisations
  • Effectively the Duke of Ed is an educational organisation
  • All major youth organisations use the Duke of Ed Framework.
  • By recognising the Duke of Ed, you are also embracing the majority of the youth organisations e.g., Scouts, St John, Guides Surf Life Saving, PCYC
Will you be following up or providing support if we need it?

Yes. We will be available to answer questions that arise. You will be provided a toolkit to support your internal and external communications and recognition of the Award. Further to this our team will touch base from time to time to see how things are going.

If I can’t add the questions to the application form can I recognise the Duke of Ed some other way?

Yes, on your website, during the university application process and on other material identifying our organisation as a Tertiary Partner.

How or where can I use the Duke of Ed logo?

You can use The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Australia ‘Proud to Support’ Logo on your website and other material identifying our organisation as a Tertiary Partner.

How will you be referring to our university?

Via our website with your logo and endorsement.

How is our commitment confirmed and is this agreement for a fixed period and if it is how is it renewed?

Your commitment is confirmed through a welcome email, certificate and exchange of logos. The period is for 2 years and will roll over as renewed unless agreed otherwise.

As a university, can we use the Duke of Ed as reliable/verifiable evidence of community involvement/volunteering or extracurricular activity and learning, which are pre-requisites for some of our courses?

Yes.

How do these partnerships benefit Participants?

By partnering with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award you provide additional value to young people by developing their teamwork, goal setting, perseverance and leadership skills.

Tertiary Partners recognise the dedication and determination required to achieve the Award. Each state and Tertiary Partner recognises the Award differently. For example:

Information on each can be found HERE

How do Tertiary Partnerships benefit the Award?
  • Increase brand recognition and positioning to encourage more young people to start their Award journey.
  • Strengthening links between young people, their peers, and their local community
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