Bishop Druitt College (BDC) is proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of its students participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program, with a special spotlight on BDC alumni and current teacher at the college Kayla Baker, who recently completed her Gold Award which is the highest level of achievement in the program.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a non-competitive, globally recognised youth development program that fosters personal growth, resilience, leadership, and community engagement. Open to all young Australians aged 14-24, it requires participants to complete activities across four key sections: Volunteering, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey with a fifth Residential Project required at the Gold level.

At Bishop Druitt College, the program is strongly supported and integrated into school life, with various initiatives such as volunteering at Op Shops, Soup Kitchens, and community service programs aligning with Award components. As a certified Duke of Edinburgh Centre, BDC ensures that students receive safe, supported, and structured pathways to complete all levels of the Award.

Tim Chapman, BDC Outdoor Education Coordinator and Duke of Edinburgh Leader, commented:

“Bishop Druitt College is proud to be a Duke of Edinburgh Centre. The program complements our school values, introducing students to new skills, leadership opportunities and personal growth.”

“There are a number of students currently completing their Duke of Edinburgh at BDC. It’s an ‘optional program’ that students can select, and we support their journeys and personal development.”

One of the program’s standout success stories is Kayla Baker, who began her Duke of Ed journey in Year 10 and has now completed the full suite of Bronze, Silver, and Gold culminating in a powerful testament to her resilience and commitment.

Kayla’s journey included:

• Volunteering: OSHC programs
• Skills Development: Scrapbooking, cooking, and photography
• Physical Recreation: Oztag
• Adventurous Journeys: From canoeing along the Bellingen River to completing sections of the Yuraygir Track, Washpool National Park, and the Great North Walk
• Residential Project: A cultural immersion trip to Cambodia with BDC

“I wanted to do this as a self-challenge. I saw the information about it in the college newsletter and thought this is a challenge for me. I’m someone who’s always wanted to do things that no one else has done. It wasn’t easy as I faced COVID, university commitments, and the personal loss of my father but I kept going,” Kayla shared.

“It has been a journey over 8 years to complete all of this and it needed to be completed before I turned 25 years old. I started this in Year 10”. This journey has opened doors, improved my job prospects, and even contributed ATAR points during school. I couldn’t have done it without my assessor, Beth Hilton. Her support was everything.”

Beth Hilton, who mentored Kayla throughout the entire process, said:

“While there are lots of different programs at BDC that can help a student achieve this award, the process is student-led with strong support from family and develops independence. I am incredibly proud of Kayla. She was one of six who began the journey with me and the only one who completed the Gold Award. It’s been a privilege to walk this path with her.”

Kayla’s journey is a true inspiration, and she continues to give back now mentoring younger students on their own Duke of Ed pathways. She will soon accompany Year 10 students on a Bronze-level Adventurous Journey at Washpool National Park.

Bishop Druitt College commends Kayla Baker and all current participants for their dedication and resilience. We look forward to seeing many more students embrace the challenges and rewards of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in years to come.

Pictured above: Beth Hilton, Kayla Baker, and Simon Doyle.