Matthew Flinders Anglican College is preparing for another exciting year of Duke of Edinburgh challenges and achievements, with more than 25 students registered for 2025.
Students set goals to achieve across the four areas of outdoor adventures, physical wellbeing, volunteering in the community and learning new skills.
In 2024, 32 Flinders students registered for the Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, marking an exciting step in their personal development journey.
Of the group, 19 students completed their Bronze Adventurous Journey and one student completed the Silver level after successfully completing four outdoor adventures, including practice and qualifying expeditions, with the highlight being an adventure through Mount Barney National Park.
Each hike spanned two days and one night, allowing participants to put their camping and navigational skills to the test in a real-world environment.
The remainder of the Bronze group will join the adventure camps planned for 2025.
Students get to design their own projects, which for students at Flinders has included organising and completing hikes through K’Gari (Fraser Island), Tasmania’s Overland Track and sea kayaking in the Whitsundays.
2025 Adventures
In 2025 students will embark on new adventures through Tamborine National Park and closer to home around the Noosa and Tewantin National Parks.
And for community service projects, Flinders students have assisted the Sea Shepherd environmental groups and lent a hand to people in need in rural areas by building fences on properties.
In 2025, students will continue this important service work through volunteer work across the College campus, including at the Flinders Farm, the Flinders Early Learning Centre, the College tuckshop and at co-curricular sports and musical events.
Principal Michelle Carroll said the program enabled students to build valuable life skills and character traits, like confidence and citizenship, to help them excel in learning and life.
“It is wonderful that we are able to offer our students at Flinders the Duke of Edinburgh Award, as it is fun, rewarding and a great taste of adventure,” Ms Carroll said.
“We offer it as part of our College co-curricular program for our students to discover the positive impact they can have in their communities and the practical experience of goal setting, persistence and achievement.”
The College first offered The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as part of its co-curricular program in 1994, commencing with seven student participants.
In Australia, the Award is a leading structured youth development program designed to empower all young people aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and become more well-rounded individuals.
More than 8 million young people across 130 countries have participated in the program, and on average 40,000 young Australians work towards achieving an Award each year.
Flinders Teacher in Charge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Mr Joshua Long proudly supports students to progress through their Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the Award.
“Throughout the year, students have diligently worked towards fulfilling the other components of the Award—completing their hours in the skill, service, and physical recreation sections. These experiences are not just about ticking boxes, but about building character, learning new skills, and giving back to the community,” Mr Long said.
Student Reflections
William J
“The Duke of Edinburgh program challenges young people like myself to step outside their comfort zones, developing resilience, leadership and self-discovery. Through the program l have learnt new skills, volunteered for a range of activities and forged lifelong friendships with those involved. The camp teaches us how to step in and participate, cultivating essential life skills through teamwork and adventure.”
Thomas W
“Choosing to do Duke of Ed this year has been one of the best choices I have made. It has taught me new skills, encouraged me to get outside and try a new sport and to put myself out there by volunteering for the local op shop. I especially like the camps. They were an excellent way of pushing myself and others out of our comfort zone, and created new opportunities to bond with other students, and although some students may have enjoyed it less than I, I am sure that everyone can say they at least had a good time. I recommend it to others thinking about participating.”
Lucy Mc
“My highlight of completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award was the Adventurous Journey. While challenging, the hike was incredibly rewarding and showed me how much I am capable of. Swimming in the creek and cooking dinner around the campfire with my friends after hiking was so much fun and an amazing experience.”
Giselle G
"I really enjoyed being a part of the Duke of Edinburgh program in 2024, as it encouraged me to try new things I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. The adventurous journey was definitely a highlight, and I enjoyed using camping and navigational skills."
Abhee A
"The Duke of Edinburgh program has made me realise that all goals are achievable no matter what. It has taught me about perseverance in ensuring that I complete my hours and log them in and has made me feel a sense of accomplishment. I also feel that I have become more resilient, especially after the adventurous journey which I struggled with initially but had so much fun on the qualifying journey. I think that the Duke of Edinburgh program is great and that many students can benefit from it and hopefully take advantage of this opportunity!"
Duke of Edinburgh Overview
Program Elements
- Three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold – each progressively more challenging.
- Four Sections: Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service, Adventurous Journey plus Gold Residential Project (Gold Level only).
- All participants are supported by a network of adult Award Leaders, Assessors and Supervisors.
Time Requirements
- Bronze – minimum 6 months
- Silver – minimum 6 months if completed Bronze (otherwise 12 months for direct entrants)
- Gold – minimum 12 months if completed Silver (otherwise 18 months for direct entrants)
Why Flinders offers the Award as a Co-Curricular Activity
Flinders recognises the Award as a framework for building students’ character and culture, which is one of our College’s strategic pillars. The Duke of Edinburgh enables the College to guide students in developing as ethical, aware and empowered young people with the desire and skills to make a positive contribution in the wider world.
The Awards Benefits to the Participants
For young people, the Award equips them with the skills, attributes and experiences needed to meet the challenges of life and work after school. Research reveals the benefits for young people are vast; they include better employability and improved educational attainment; the confidence to move out of their comfort zone; a greater sense of adventure and independence; a love of nature and the outdoors; and the ability to become a more well-rounded individual.
