8 DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD Bacchus Marsh Grammar prides itself on the delivery of an internationally recognised qualification in The Duke of Edinburgh Award. The award enables students to not only gain valuable skills but also develop their own self-confidence. Bacchus Marsh Grammar has the highest number of participants in the state. This in itself is a testament to the support provided by Mr Neal and the dedication of the staff who help to support students through the award. At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, all students take part in the Bronze Award and are encouraged to progress through to Silver and Gold. The Bronze Award sees students complete four competencies which include Physical Recreation, Skill, Service and Camp. The award is organised in such a way that our students can combine activities they complete outside school, such as coaching and volunteering in op shops, to fulfil the requirements of each section. By completing either the Gold or Silver Award, students may also benefit from access to programmes such as Aspire at La Trobe University which sees students given priority access to early entry, or even up to three additional points on their ATAR at Macquarie University. The Duke of Edinburgh Gold or Silver Award can also be used tomeet the co-curricular and service requirement of their application to the Australian National University. Universities value the Duke of Edinburgh Award as it demonstrates that students can commit to activities which benefit the community. Over the past four years, a dedicated team of staff has volunteered to support excursions outside of normal school hours. This has led to students hiking around the Gunbower National Park, Lake Eppalock and, on two occasions, completing the 124km Great Ocean Walk over eight days. The aim of the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bacchus Marsh Grammar is inclusion and accessibility. Students of all abilities are welcome to take part in the optional camps throughout the year. Camps such as the Great Ocean Walk understandably have a fitness requirement due to the distance covered. I am always impressed by the range of sports, skills and service in which our students take part. As they progress through the award, we see students grow in confidence and improve their self-esteem. Our staff also offers to act as assessors for some of the sports and skills students are developing. One member of staff runs a Knitting Club whilst others help students to develop their reading and cooking skills. We hope that 2022 will provide us with the opportunity to arrange more excursions and see a greater number of our students progress to Silver and Gold. Mr Michael Howell - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
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