Introduction to the Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award targets young people aged 14 – 24 years old.  The programme is designed by young people to fit their own interests and abilities.  Throughout the programme participants can build confidence, experience new things, develop new skills and friendships.

There are three levels to the Award—Bronze, Silver and Gold and each level has four specific sections that participants need to complete activities in (plus a fifth at Gold level):

 Service – choose a form of service and give practical service to others.  Examples: youth leadership, tree planting, sports coaching, surf life-saving, SPCA volunteer, school librarian

 Skill – choose a hobby, a topic to study or some other leisure interest and follow through regularly to improve your skill or knowledge.  Examples: sports referee, musical instrument, driving licence, learn another language

 Physical Recreation – take up a physical activity and reach a given standard or show improvement. Examples: netball, basketball, rugby, dance, martial arts, walking, swimming, gym

Adventurous Journey – after basic training, including practice journeys, plan and carry out a venture that includes camping or staying in basic accommodation. Examples: tramping, kayaking, sailing, mountain biking, horse riding

Residential Project (Gold level only) – participate in a purposeful event away from home over a period of at least five days.  You should not be with people you know.  Examples: Outward Bound, Spirit of New Zealand, WWOOFing, Marae stay, School holiday camps.

The award takes devoted time each week:

At Bronze level = 1 hour each week (or 4 hours every 28 days) over 3 months/13 weeks (note that Bronze participants are required to do an additional three months in one of the other activities. 

At Silver level = 1 hour each week (or 4 hours every 28 days) over 6 months/26 weeks.

At Gold level = 1 hour each week (or 4 hours every 28 days) over 12 months/52 weeks.

Award Benefits

Throughout their Award journey, participants –

  • are equipped and empowered to achieve their personal best
  • learn to take responsibility for their goals and choices
  • become connected and a contributor to their community
  • gain life skills such as communication, resilience, leadership, confidence and teamwork – which increases their career opportunities

Plus memories and experiences that last a lifetime!

If you are interested in finding out more about the Duke of Edinburgh award please see Mrs Williams who is in charge of this award at Hillcrest High School.