Duke of Edinburgh Award
A globally recognised youth development program that helps young people grow, discover their potential, and develop life skills through meaningful challenges outside the classroom.
About the program
More than a certificate.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is not a test you pass. It is a personal challenge you grow through. Participants choose their own activities, set their own goals, and work at their own pace within a structured framework.
Beyond Horizons Institute brings this framework directly to rural and regional communities, pairing every participant with a trained mentor who stays involved from enrolment through to completion.
Licensed & accredited
A Licensed Duke of Ed Centre.
Beyond Horizons Institute is licensed by The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, through the NSW Office of Sport, to deliver the full Award Program at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels across New South Wales.
Licensed Award Centre
We hold a current Duke of Ed Centre licence (DR00418), valid to August 2027, issued by The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Australia.
Full Award curriculum
We deliver Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards following the Australian Award Handbook, covering all four sections including the Adventurous Journey.
Trained leaders & assessors
Our Award Coordinator, Leaders, and Assessors complete the required Award training, hold current Working with Children Clearance, and meet the Australian Adventure Activity Standards.
Three progressive levels
Start where you are. Aim higher.
Bronze
3 months minimum (typically 6)
The entry-level Award. Perfect for young people aged 14+ who want to start building skills, habits, and confidence through structured challenges.
Silver
6 months (or 12 months if starting fresh)
Deepens the skills and self-awareness built in Bronze. Silver participants develop a stronger environmental and social consciousness through sustained effort.
Gold
12 months minimum (after Silver)
The highest level. Gold participants take on a Residential Project and demonstrate exceptional leadership, resilience, and community contribution.
Four sections
Every part of the program has a purpose.
Physical Recreation
Any fitness activity completed for at least one hour per week. Sport, dance, cycling, swimming, anything that gets you moving and improving.
Skills
Developing a personal interest or talent. Photography, cooking, music, coding, woodworking. If you can show progression, it counts.
Adventurous Journey
A planned, multi-day expedition in an outdoor environment. The highlight for most participants, and a real challenge with real rewards.
Voluntary Service
Contributing to your community through unpaid work. Could be helping at a local club, environmental projects, or supporting community events.
Our approach
We handle everything else.
The Duke of Ed framework is comprehensive. We exist so young people in rural communities can access it without fighting through admin on their own.
FAQ
Common questions about the Award.
How old do I need to be to start?+
You must be at least 14 years old to begin the Bronze Award. Silver requires a minimum age of 15, and Gold requires 16. The upper age limit is 24. Participants must complete their Award before turning 25.
How long does the Bronze Award take?+
Bronze takes a minimum of three months, though most participants complete it in around six months. The timeline depends on how consistently you work through each section. Our mentors check in regularly to keep you on track.
Do I need to complete Bronze before starting Silver?+
Yes. You must complete Bronze before progressing to Silver, and Silver before Gold. Each level builds on the one before it. If you have completed a previous level through another provider, contact us and we can discuss how to carry your progress across.
Is the Award recognised by universities and employers?+
Yes. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is recognised in over 140 countries and is viewed favourably by Australian universities and employers. It demonstrates sustained self-discipline, community contribution, and resilience, qualities that stand out in applications and interviews.
Can I choose my own activities for the Physical Recreation, Skills and Community Involvement sections?+
Yes. You choose your own activities for all three sections, as long as you can show consistent participation and measurable improvement over time. Our mentors help you design a pathway that fits your life and your interests. Sport, dance, music, photography, cooking: almost anything counts. For Community Involvement, participants complete unpaid voluntary work that benefits others. This could be helping at a local organisation, supporting environmental projects, assisting at a sports club, or working with people in need. The key is that the activity genuinely serves your community and is done without payment.
What is included in the program fee?+
The fee covers qualified expedition leaders for both your practice and qualifying journeys, access to volunteering opportunities through our established venue partnerships, personalised Award pathway setup, ongoing mentor support, and full paperwork and Award submission assistance. Participants are responsible for their own meals and camping gear on expedition.
What if I fall behind or need more time?+
That's completely normal. The Award is designed to be completed at your own pace within the program timeframe. Beyond Horizons provides ongoing support and regular check-ins, and we can work with you if life gets in the way. The important thing is that you keep going.
Ready to earn your Award?
Register your interest and we will reach out when a program opens near you.