Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Looking for something that gets you out of your comfort zone, builds real-world skills and means something on your résumé? The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award might be for you.

Here are five reasons to start (or finish) a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

1. It looks great on your résumé

The Award shows employers, universities and organisations that you can commit, persevere and achieve goals beyond the classroom.

2. You choose the challenge

Sport, music, cooking, coding, photography, volunteering, fitness - your Award can be built around things that genuinely interest you. Most students can complete a level using activities that they are already doing.

3. You’ll do something worthwhile

The Voluntary Service section gives you the chance to contribute to your school or community and make a real difference.

4. What you already do can count

Already play a sport, learn an instrument, volunteer or pursue a hobby? You may be able to use those activities towards your Award.

5. There’s a level for you

Start with Bronze, step up to Silver, or aim for the ultimate challenge of Gold. Completing a level of the framework can gain SACE credits. You finish with experiences, skills, friendships and stories that can stay with you long after school.

Are you ready for the challenge? Or do you need help with the level you are on? Chat with Mrs Rieger. Learn more here.

CARE@CC

Could you inspire our future health professionals? 

Do you work in a health-related career, and would you be willing to share your experience with our students over a lunchtime?

CARE@CC (Community of Advocates for Respect and Empathy) is a fortnightly group for students in Years 9–12 who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, allied health, health sciences and other health-related fields. The group gives students a valuable opportunity to hear directly from professionals about their career journeys, experiences and areas of expertise.

Over the past few months, we have been privileged to welcome an inspiring range of guest speakers, including a women’s health specialist working in fertility care and reproductive technology, a Nursing Director, a retired paediatric nephrologist, and a GP with a special interest in chronic disease management.

To recognise Legacy Week, Legacy Australia’s annual campaign supporting the families of Australian veterans who have lost their lives or health in service, we were also honoured to hear from a remarkable guest who was the first female physiotherapist to enlist for service in the Vietnam War. Her story offered students a fascinating insight into the intersection of healthcare, service and Australian history.

We are always looking to broaden the range of careers and experiences our students encounter. If you work in health and could spare a lunchtime to share your story, we would love to hear from you. You might just inspire a student to discover their future career. Please reach out if you, or someone you know, may be willing to visit us. We would love to have you.

Reminders

Year 7 and 8 students are invited to enter the Concordia College Fantasy Map and Writing competition. Our best entries will be submitted to an interschool competition for judging and the chance to win great prizes. Maps and writing are due to Mrs Rieger on Friday of Week 2, Term 4—a fun and purposeful holiday project. Keen writers from Years 3–11 may also like to enter the ImPress Writing Competition. Entries are due for submission online by Monday 12 October.

Emma Rieger
Enrichment and Extended Learning