Dunedoo Central School has received funding for 14 students to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
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This is a result of a Federal Government grant to the Australian Award Division of the awards to provide more opportunities for young people in remote areas. .
The funds will be used to help selected students from year 9, 10 and 11 to work towards their Bronze Award.
The students will develop their own programs for achievement, including learning a new skill or developing an existing one, improving their physical wellbeing, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment.
It will also enable the students who trialled the ward at Dunedoo Central School last year to progress to the silver level.
All students began participating in February this year.
Award participants are involved in activities from textiles, automotive, media presentation as well as robotics and are also participating in a number of volunteering roles including assisting at community events, fundraising and assisting with tennis coaching.
They will fulfil their Adventurous Journey component together by bushwalking in the area’s local national parks including Coolah Tops and Warrumbungle National Park.
Dunedoo Central School trialled the Bronze Award, facilitated by Sharon Nott, the school’s Outdoor Recreation Officer., in 2015. Upon seeing the positive impact and outcomes for the students, the school applied for funding to offer the opportunity to as many students as possible.
“The Award led them (the students trialling the Award) to seek more information, take control of their own learning, relish the opportunities to develop leadership skills and generally develop teamwork ability. This ultimately created a strong friendship group, greater self-efficacy and improved self-esteem,” Ms Knott said.
Dunedoo principal Peter Campbell has committed two additional teachers to act as Assistant Award Leaders to provide greater guidance and mentorship to the participants.
“Like many small rural farming communities, our young people face challenges with remoteness, mental health issues, substance abuse, poverty and social and behavioural disengagement,” Mr Campbell said.
“Programs like The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award supplement existing school programs and connect with and improve overall student outcomes.”