Courtney takes Gold

4 September 2020

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a well-known youth development programme that has a long history around the world of helping young people develop their skills and interests, and to discover new talents. It is a programme that builds self-esteem, identity and promotes leadership qualities, regardless of background or ability.

The Award is organised into three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level has the following sections: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey. In general, Bronze sections take a minimum of 3 months, Silver sections take 6 months and Gold sections take 12 months. Over the past three years, St Peter’s student participation rates in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award have grown significantly. With the move to having Year 10 camps at Hillary Outdoors last year, the opportunity arose for students to get underway at the start of Year 10, and in particular complete the first part of their Bronze Adventurous Journey. The Adventurous Journey section requires students to participate in planning, organising and then completing overnight expeditions

In August this year, St Peter’s had their first Gold Awardee student recipient - Courtney Elliott. A Year 13 boarder, Courtney would frequently return to her home town to volunteer at the Methven House Retirement Home. “I loved spending time here with the residents. It was a place my sister used to visit when she was undertaking her Duke of Edinburgh, and I followed suit. I’d chat with the residents, assist with teaching them technology, cooking and baking. It has been so satisfying and I will continue to visit even now that I have attained my Gold Award.”

Courtney joined St Peter’s in Year 11, having already completed her Bronze award. She is honoured to have attained her Gold award during her time as a student at St Peter’s. She believes the skills learnt during her progression through the Duke of Edinburgh programme has allowed her to learn so much more about herself. She recalls, “when I started I would have taken one look at a height and said ‘no way’. During her residential project on Great Barrier Island, she undertook a coasteering exercise, which involved moving along a rocky coastline on foot or swimming, without the aid of any sort of buoyancy craft. At one point there was a 12 metre drop and, with the support of the other participants, she conquered the expedition with ease.

To find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh programme at St Peter's, contact us here.

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