The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia is a voluntary framework that motivates young people aged 15-25 to realise their ambitions and change their world. At TAS, Duke of Ed is a key component of our character development framework, building essential life skills through a balanced program of voluntary activities.
TAS DUKE OF ED HISTORY AND COMMITMENT
TAS was one of the first schools in Australia to offer the framework, introducing it in 1967. We are proud that each year a significant number of students enrol for Bronze, Silver, or Gold awards. Students meet Bronze and Silver requirements in conjunction with school activities, while undertaking Gold requirements individually during school holidays.
DEVELOPING CHARACTER THROUGH DUKE OF ED
The Duke of Ed framework develops essential qualities across its components:
Adventurous Journey builds resilience through embracing challenges and learning from setbacks, strengthens teamwork through cooperative problem-solving, and develops independence through goal-setting and self-management.
Skill Development encourages critical thinking and intellectual independence while building initiative and readiness for future pathways.
Physical Recreation develops sustained effort and self-regulation while building time management and personal discipline.
Voluntary Service cultivates leadership through sustained commitment to community, builds empathy through meaningful service, develops ethical decision-making, and strengthens environmental and social responsibility.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC VISION
Duke of Ed directly supports our strategic commitment to character development through structured, progressive skill building and authentic challenge in supportive environments. The framework helps young people develop leadership, purpose, and initiative; core elements of our vision for graduates who are Capable, Kind, and Confident.