School students to earn QCE credits for Dukes challenge

Queensland school students have even more reasons to sign-up for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program this year.

Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said students participating in the worldwide youth development program could now earn credits towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) – the state’s new senior schooling qualification.

“With the new school year underway, now is a great time for students to take up the Duke’s challenge – a challenge already accepted by almost five million young people from more than 120 countries,” she said.

“By recognising this award program in the QCE, the Queensland Studies Authority has provided further impetus for young people to sign-up now to invest in their future.”

Under the new qualification system, Gold Award recipients can now bank two credits toward their QCE, while both Bronze and Silver awardees can earn one credit. Credits apply for awards achieved since 20 June 2007.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the program required participants, aged 14 to 25, to complete self-selected activities, including community service, skills development, expeditions or explorations and physical recreation, for a minimum of six months.

“The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a valuable, exciting and rewarding development program for all young Queenslanders,” she said.

“The benefits of participating have now been enhanced thanks to recognition in the QCE and, in turn, greater recognition among employers.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the QCE replaced the Senior Certificate, and recognises a range of achievements by students from the start of Year 10 – including school-based academic performance as well as workplace, university and community achievements.

“The introduction of the QCE raises the bar for certification and its attainment is a significant achievement, “ Mr Welford said.

“The new system will help students move into further education, training or the workforce more smoothly as a broader range of achievements, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, can count towards the QCE.”

Deputy Director of the Queensland Studies Authority’s Student Achievement Division, Peter Luxton, said students who started Year 10 in 2006 were the first group to work towards the new QCE.

“Students are required to have 20 credits at a set standard to complete the QCE,” Mr Luxton said.

“The new QCE recognises broad learning options, including The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as a way to assist students who may not otherwise achieve the required 20 credits to complete their senior schooling qualification.”

The first QCEs will be awarded this year. For more information about the QCE visit www.qsa.qld.edu.au or for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award visit www.dukesaward.qld.gov.au

Ms Nelson-Carr said the new school year was also an ideal time for younger students, aged 11-and-a-half to 14, to sign-up for The Bridge Award program.

“The Bridge Award is a separate program designed as a stepping stone to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award,” she said.

“Managed by the State Award Office for young Queenslanders, The Bridge Award is recognised nationally and offers young people a range of new opportunities and activities designed as an introduction to the Bronze level of the Duke’s program.”

For more information about The Bridge Award, visit www.dukesaward.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280 or Minister Welford's office on 3237 1000