‘Take your life to the next level’ is the slogan of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and 70 CGHS students are doing just that.

In New Zealand the programme has the extra title of Aotearoa New Zealand Hillary Award. As these names imply, the award encourages the best of the kiwi spirit and is recognized internationally. There has been many a job applicant who has spent the interview chatting about their Duke of Ed experiences as it is a great indicator of all-rounder skills and personal qualities. The Gold presentation ceremonies are very special occasions and I was privileged to attend when two of our past students were awarded with Gold by our Governor General, Dame Patsy Reddy, at a very memorable ceremony at Government House.

Congratulations to everyone who is involved in the award and especially to those who have completed their level. At Bronze we have 20 awards; Hope Anderson-Gardner, Lucy Boyd, Ella Burford, Winifred Davis, Hayley Dore, Claudia Fowler, Kate Gardiner, Rebekah Gray, Jazmin Garvey, Scarlett Griffin, Amelia Jacobson, Justine Kim, Emily Koller, Lily Pilkington, Molly Newman, Claudia Wright, Ngaio Shaw, Madeleine Singleton, Maia Vivas, Stella White.
Lucy van Berlo, Asta Hinton, You Rim Kang, Ruby Lange have all gained Silver. And special congratulations go to Lauren Young who has completed the prestigious Gold Award.

Here are some of their comments:

I have really loved participating in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award this year. I think it’s a very rewarding way to give back to the community and learn new skills. Participating in the award has pushed me to do things I wouldn’t normally do, for example volunteering in the Nurse Maude Hospice. I would recommend doing the award to anyone, it’s a great way to get out and give back to your community.

Amelia Ridgen (Bronze)

From participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award I have gained motivation to accomplish my goals. It has made me grow more as a person as I have participated in new experiences and have made friends along the way.
Hope Anderson-Gardner (Silver)

The Duke of Edinburgh's award provides you with lifelong memories and teaches you more than you could ever learn in a classroom. Not only are the expeditions incredibly fun and rewarding, but they also teach you valuable life skills. The effort I put into the awards was more than reciprocated in the skills and lessons I learned throughout.
Laruen Young (Gold)