Exploring the Duke of Ed Award: What’s Next at OPAC
2026 has been a big year for the Duke of Edinburgh Award with nearly 50 students actively completing either Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards. Our students have been busy practicing valuable skills, getting physical and serving their local communities.
Looking toward 2026, our Year 8 students recently took part in their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award onboarding session, marking the beginning of the Award journey. During the session, students were introduced to the structure of the Bronze Award and spent time exploring what participation could look like for them.
The Award is made up of four key sections, each designed to help young people develop confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose. In the Skill section, students choose an area of personal interest—such as music, art or cooking—and work consistently to build their abilities. The Physical Recreation component encourages them to improve or maintain their fitness through regular activity, whether that be team sport, dance, martial arts or simply establishing healthy exercise habits. The Service section invites students to give back to their community, taking part in volunteering activities that make a positive difference to others. Finally, the Adventurous Journey challenges participants to step outside their comfort zone, planning and completing an outdoor expedition with their peers.
Year 8 students will now take time to consider their goals and decide whether the Award is a good fit for them this year. We strongly encourage all students to participate—whether they are seeking new challenges, wanting to serve their community, or simply hoping to grow in confidence and independence, the Duke of Ed offers something valuable for everyone.
We are also pleased to have Mr Stevenson stepping into the role of Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader for 2026. We look forward to the guidance and enthusiasm he will bring to the program in the years ahead.
God bless,
Mr Rohan Miller
Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader