Duke Of Edinburgh 

Duke of Edinburgh 2026 

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award continues to grow at Epping Boys High School in 2026, with 107 students actively engaged across the framework. This includes 57 Bronze, 33 Silver, and 17 Gold registered users, reflecting a strong culture of challenge, service, and personal development among our students. Through their involvement, students are stepping beyond the classroom to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence required for life beyond school. 

The Award aligns strongly with principles of High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE), providing opportunities for students to extend beyond the classroom and engage in purposeful, self-directed learning. Students are challenged to set personal goals, take initiative, and apply their knowledge in authentic contexts. Through experiences such as planning their expeditions, leading peers, and contributing to community service, registered users develop higher order thinking, creativity, and independence. All key characteristics of high potential learners. These world experiences allow students to demonstrate capability across intellectual, social, emotional, and physical domains. 

Participation in the Duke of Ed Award plays a significant role in developing effective time management, a critical skill for success in learning at school. Students are required to balance the ongoing commitments of the framework alongside their academic responsibilities, co-curricular activities, and personal lives. Users learn to plan ahead, prioritise tasks, and allocate time effectively to meet both short and long-term goals. This structured approach supports improved organisation, reduces last minute stress, and allows students to engage more deeply with their learning. In developing disciplined study habits and the ability to manage competing demands, students are better equipped to achieve consistent academic progress and maintain balance across all aspects of school life. 

As engagement continues to grow, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award remains a powerful framework for students to explore their potential, contribute to their community, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the future. 

Gold trek Long Plain 

We congratulate our Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Level registered users who recently completed their Practice Adventurous Journey across the Long Plain region of Kosciusko National Park from Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 28th March. Over four days, students immersed themselves in the challenging alpine environment, navigating a route that included Blue Waterholes, Cooleman Cave, Howell’s Peak, Old Currango Homestead, and Skaines Mountain. The journey provided a physically demanding experience allowing opportunity for students to demonstrate independence, teamwork, and sound decision making in a remote setting. 

Throughout the expedition, students were required to plan and manage their own equipment, food, and navigation. Conditions varied across the week, requiring adaptability and careful judgement. As challenges arose, whether navigating complex terrain, managing fatigue, or responding to changing conditions, students consistently demonstrated resilience and problem solving, working collaboratively to overcome obstacles and support one another. 

A defining feature of the journey was the development of empathy and leadership. Students rotated leadership roles, making decisions that impacted the safety and wellbeing of their teams. They learned to listen, communicate clearly, and recognise when to step forward in individual pursuit or back support others. The shared experience of challenge fostered a strong sense of belonging, with students encouraging one another and ensuring the team achieved as one. 

This Practice Expedition has been a critical step in preparing students for their Gold Qualifying Journey to Mount Jagungal in October. The lessons learned, both practical and personal, have equipped students with the mindset required to undertake this final challenge. We commend all participants for their commitment, perseverance, and growth, and look forward to supporting them as they take the next step in their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey. 

Mitchell Leggo 

Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator