The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award saw remarkable growth at Flinders in 2025. Sixty-one students from Years 9 and 10 began their Bronze Award and four Year 11 students stepped up to Silver.
The globally-renowned program inspires students to build resilience, compassion and character, and develop skills in teamwork and leadership through a balance of community service, skill development, physical activity and the much-anticipated Adventurous Journey expeditions.
Students were guided on their expeditions by Mr Joshua Long, the Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator and Head of Humanities, along with Secondary staff who too crave outdoor adventure and challenge.
Across both levels, students explored meaningful community projects, whether coaching younger students, learning new instruments or maintaining consistent training in sport.
Mr Long said, “Through their efforts, our students showed that achievement in the Award comes from steady dedication over time, rather than a single event.”
Bronze Award
The Bronze Award cohort embarked on a two-part Adventurous Journey in the Noosa Shire, combining hiking through the Cooloola National Park with canoeing across Lake Cootharaba. Practice journeys introduced students to essential outdoor skills and group leadership roles, with students learning firsthand the responsibility of guiding peers through sometimes challenging terrain.
The qualifying journey built on these skills, stretching students with longer hikes and paddles, and testing their ability to plan routes, manage equipment and problem-solve outdoors. It was all worth it for the reward of a warm meal shared around camp at the end of each day.
Silver Award Challenges
For the Year 11 Silver participants, the challenge wove through the waterways and trails of the Noosa Everglades region. The extended distances and greater responsibility demanded higher levels of fitness and endurance. Each Silver student had to contribute and lead, taking turns to plan daily logistics, manage group decisions and model resilience to younger participants.
“The 2025 program has been a powerful reminder of what our students can accomplish when challenged outside the classroom,” Mr Long said. “Their perseverance on steep trails, teamwork on the water and commitment to their wider Award activities reflect the spirit of adventure and resilience at the heart of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.”
Students from 14 years of age who are inspired to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in 2026 are invited to contact Mr Joshua Long for more information. Applications close Friday, 13 March.
Some highlights from the 2025 Adventurous Journey Expeditions
