The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed) is a globally recognised youth development program that helps young people grow, discover their potential, and develop life-skills through meaningful challenges outside the classroom. It has been used for over 60 years in more than 140 countries to inspire young people to be confident, capable, and ready for life beyond school.
At its heart, the Award is about personal growth, resilience, goal-setting, and community contribution – all built through activities chosen by the participant and supported by mentors and leaders
The Award is built on a structured framework that consists of three progressive levels and four core sections – all designed to promote well-rounded personal growth.
The entry level introduces you to the incredible world of the Duke of Ed.
This is where you will be given the tools to learn the beginning steps of what is required - compromising of four core sections: Physical Recreation, Skills, Community Involvement and Adventurous Journey.
Builds on skills previously developed and begins to deepen your knowledge and awareness of yourself, your community and the environment around you.
The final level, where you combine all that you have learnt and continue to build upon your skillsets and knowledge. This comes with an extra requirement (The Gold Residential Project), which is an opportunity to discover the world around you for a short-term, immersive experience with new people!
This is not just an Award – it is a long-term journey of personal growth and discovery. You are investing in your welbeing and life skills forever.
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Physical Recreation
Getting moving in a fun way that works for you.
This Section helps you build healthy habits, wellbeing and building confidence! It’s about progress, not perfection!
Your commitment is a minimum of 1 hour/week. You can choose to participate in any sport or physical activity which is likely to improve your fitness and requires you to burn energy
Skills
Learn something new or build on skills you already love.
This Section is about developing your personal interests, talents, and hobbies.
Your commitment is a minimum of 1 hour/week demonstrating your commitment to a skill and showing how you’ve increased your understanding or expertise over a period. It can be practically or socially focussed, but it shouldn’t be a physical activity.
Adventurous Journey
A shared team challenge in the outdoors.
This is where teamwork, resilience, exploration and real adventure comes into play!
Take part in a group journey adventure - where you work together, navigate, and step outside your comfort zone. It’s a supervised experience, and often the most memorable part of the Duke of Ed!
We offer hiking for your Adventurous Journey
Voluntary Service
Give back and make a difference. Choose a cause or community activity you care about.
Your commitment is a minimum of 1 hour/week. You must be willing to carry out your voluntary work without pay, and it should only be done for a charity or not-for-profit organisation – not a business.
There are many examples of what Voluntary Service might look like.
Gold Residential Project (Gold Level Only)
You also complete a purposeful project away from home, living and working with others you don’t already know - building independence and collaboration skills.
You choose your own activities based on your passions and goals.
You set your goals, record your progress, and reflect on what you’re learning.
You complete activities over a set period of time.
You are supported by trained, professional and experienced leaders/mentors who help guide, monitor and assess your progress.
When you finish a level, you receive an official Duke of Ed Award – something that’s highly respected by employers, tertiary institutions and future opportunities.
Build confidence, resilience and leadership through real challenges.
Discover new skills and passions they might never have tried.
Make a difference in their community through service and volunteering
Connect with peers, mentors and their environment in meaningful ways.
Gain global recognition for their achievements – a strong addition to resumes, portfolios and future plans.
At Beyond Horizons Institute, we guide rural students through every step of their Duke of Ed journey – from goal-setting and mentoring, to expedition planning, supervision, and assessment. We help make outdoor education accessible, safe, and life-changing – especially for those who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
The Duke of Ed Award operates in over 140 countries and has helped millions of young people worldwide. In Australia, it’s delivered through a trusted framework that supports inclusivity – regardless of where you live or your background.
