Advance News

Dukes Awards Victoria: motivating young people to succeed

Year 9 Advance students completed their Dukes Award qualifying hike at the Angahook-Lorne State Park. The highlights included beautiful waterfalls and glorious mountain ash trees; stunning ocean views from Castle Rock; playing Uno together and of course, the Great Ocean Road. The students set up camp at Allenvale and traversed down the mountain to the beautiful Cumberland River Holiday Park.

Here’s some student camp reflections:

Tina Tran

I have no words to explain how much fun the Lorne camp was. … After finishing the final hike, everyone had a fantastic time playing card games in the recreational hut. That night was truly amazing and the bonus for me was listening to the raindrops on my tent and the crashing waves of the ocean.

Nayana Premjit

My favourite waterfall was Phantom Falls, because it was very beautiful and I liked how you could ‘interact’ with the waterfall. Climbing the rocks was exhilarating and exciting and the mini cave was cool. … Overall, I thought the hike was really fun – even though my legs hurt, I thought it was very good exercise and waterfalls were definitely the highlight of the hike.

Bella Janceva

Even though we faced problems and challenges, everyone done a fantastic job and showed amazing leadership and respect, with everyone helping each other. Thank you to Ms Mortimer, Mr Micallef and Mr Saint Pierre, for being so terrific and for making the camp very memorable and enjoyable. I am really going to miss Advance next year and the great people I spent this class with.

Ms Mortimer

To Mr Mark Micallef – your support, practical advice, driving skills and friendship were invaluable on the Lorne hike and thank you to Mr Damien St Pierre for your leadership, inner strength and adaptability – which was most appreciated.

To the 2017 Year 9 Advance class:

Thank you for your enthusiasm, collaboration, perseverance and empathy – it’s been a great year and I will miss you.

Successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Award candidates will receive their bronze certificate next year.