Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh | Student Reflections
In Week 7 of Term 4, fifty Year 9’s set off on an adventure down to the Great Ocean Road. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh award, students participated in their qualifying journey, which came with many challenges and successes over the three days. Whilst on the Journey students participated in a variety of activities such as hiking, surfing, beach games, Map and navigation camp craft skills amongst many others. Please see some student reflections below.
Talia Hobbs, Duke of Ed Coordinator
From November 16th-18th, the two Year 9 Duke of Ed classes packed their orange hiking bags for a three-day journey to the Torquay Foreshore. This trip was undoubtedly strenuous and challenging but memorable and rewarding. From jumping into wetsuits and having a surf, enjoying the sun during beach games and hanging out with friends while the sun set - we all made memories that would last a lifetime. The camp was an experience that I will never forget, and personally, it taught me how to embrace and learn from outside my comfort zone. I would especially like to thank Ms. Hobbs for giving us this incredible opportunity to have an experience like this and for teaching us many valuable skills this year for Duke of Ed. I also want to thank all the teachers who gave the time to join us on this camp. We hope you had as much fun as we did!
Ayanna S, 9D
One of the best outdoor experiences I’ve had has been this Duke of Ed camp! We spent three days, two nights in Torquay Foreshore and we had really great weather (apart from rain on the first night!). Activities included a tour of the local flora and fauna by a friendly guide called Possum Pete, who taught us about the history of the area and about some edible plants! We went on a 6km walk on the first day along the beach to the campsite, and a 6km hike on the last day from Torquay to Bells Beach. On Thursday, the second day, we all went surfing in Torquay which everyone really enjoyed! Even though it was most people’s first time surfing, everyone loved it and some were even able to stand up! Later that day, we played student-ran beach games and activities that were really fun to spend time with friends on the sunny beach. We watched a beautiful sunset and sunrise, which were really pretty, peaceful moments.
Thea P, 9A
Torquay was the destination for our journey. With its beautiful beaches, ideal weather and widespread range of flora and fauna, Torquay was definitely the ideal place to go camping. On the first day, after struggling to fit all our things into our hiking packs, we finally departed to our destination. We all had to complete a strenuous 6-kilometre walk to our campsite with our hiking packs. The next few days brought many challenges, however many highlights such as cooking on trangias, student lead beach games and a surfing session - This definitely was the most amazing thing I’ve done this year and pushed students out of their comfort zone. After two taxing days we were able to relax at the sunset which was the most beautiful part of the journey. Even though it was really exerting physically, the Duke of Edinburgh camp proved to be an amazing experience where we made new relationships and strengthened our bonds with not just our friends, but all our classmates and teachers, and we were all definitely really lucky to go on it. A big thank you to all the teachers including Ms Hobbs, Ms Smith, Mr Davis, Ms Tinney and Ms Kutrolli for coming with us :)
Mahathi M, 9K
On November 16th, the Year 9 Duke of Ed classes stuffed all their belongings into bright orange hiking packs and started to Torquay. From cooking delicious meals on trangias, to sleeping in tents huddled in our thermals and sleeping bags, surfing through the waves, and hiking under a scorching sun, this camp provided the opportunity for us to step out of our comfort zones and build a stronger connection with our surroundings. We gained unforgettable experiences as we went down to the beach for the sunrises and sunsets, walked and played by the waves, and explored the area, watching, listening, and feeling the environment we were in. We were challenged too, as we had to organise, cook and coordinate our food, live in a tent, and try new things. But we came on the other side, closer, stronger, resourceful, and resilient. And I believe that I can safely say that we have all, individually gained from this experience and are grateful for the opportunity.
Pragna U, 9F