Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award

Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award

The Award is an internationally recognised programme giving rangatahi the chance to develop skills, get physically active, give back and experience adventure. The 5 Squadron Air Cadets are supporters of the DoE award. 

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The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (often referred to as the Duke of Edinburgh Award) is a youth awards program founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The program is designed to encourage personal development and community involvement among young people.

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Award Structure

The award is available to young people aged 14 to 24 and is divided into three levels:

• Bronze: For those turning 14 in that training year

• Silver: For those aged 15 and over

• Gold: For those aged 16 and over

Sections of the Award

Participants must complete activities in four (for Bronze and Silver) or five (for Gold) sections:

1. Voluntary Service: Encouraging participants to volunteer in their communities and develop compassion and commitment to others.

2. Physical Recreation: Promoting the importance of physical fitness and health.

3. Skills: Encouraging the development of personal interests and practical skills.

4. Adventurous Journey: Developing a spirit of adventure and discovery through a team journey or expedition in an unfamiliar environment.

5. Residential Project (Gold only): Broadening experiences through involvement with others in a residential setting.

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Sir Edmund Hillary Award (New Zealand)

In New Zealand, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is also known as the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award, named in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary, the famed New Zealand mountaineer and explorer. This recognizes his significant contributions and embodies the spirit of adventure and perseverance that the award promotes.

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Achieving the Award

To achieve the award, participants must:

• Set their own goals in each section and work towards them.

• Demonstrate commitment and improvement.

• Complete the requirements of each section over a set period.

The award is widely recognized by employers and educational institutions as evidence of perseverance, problem-solving, leadership, and community involvement.

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​​​​​More information about the DoE at 5 Squadron - email:  doe@5squadron.org.nz