The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a structured youth development program available to all young people aged 14 to 24. By learning new skills, improving their physical wellbeing, volunteering in their communities, and taking part in adventurous journeys with like-minded individuals, participants will develop a more comprehensive sense of self, and learn to take responsibility for their future. The Duke of Edinburgh‘s mission is to empower youth to explore their full potential, a goal shared by Actura and CASE.

We are proud to offer our CASE Space School students with the opportunity to complete Sections of their Duke of Edinburgh Award while away on expedition. Our Junior and Senior students will have the chance to complete the Skills Section of their Bronze or Silver Awards, with Seniors also having the option of completing their Gold Award Residential Project.

Arushi spoke to us recently about what motivated her to enrol in the Duke of Edinburgh, and why she chose to count Space School towards her award in December 2017:

In Year 8 and 9, I was actively searching for something outside the classroom walls that would enhance my problem-solving skills whilst developing essential skills and instilling leadership qualities in me. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was a package that ticked all these boxes. I counted the Space School program for my gold level Residential Project. It gave me the opportunity to interact with new people from different walks of life. During the program, I took initiatives consistently and participated in activities that I would never have otherwise. – Arushi Vasrivastava

We also spoke to Arushi’s parents who supported her in her decision to enrol in both programs. When asked about how they have had an impact on their daughter’s life, they stated that her “Space School expedition fostered her decision to pursue a Double Science Degree at the University of Sydney.” In the words of Arushi herself: “My experience motivated me to study science at a tertiary level. I aspire to one day solve big problems and make a change similar to the researchers at NASA.” Through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, they observed Arushi’s “team-working capability and leadership ability develop,” skills that will see her through her studies and into her future career.

If you are considering CASE Space School, and currently undertaking your Duke of Edinburgh Award, this is the perfect opportunity to work on either your Skills Section of the Award or complete your Residential Project. As summed up perfectly by Arushi:

I would highly recommend taking up the Space School as your Duke of Ed Residential Project. The project is all about the individual challenge, teamwork and spirit and overcoming unfavourable situations. The Space School program is the perfect opportunity to test all these values in the science sphere. There is just so much to learn and absorb, the more effort and enthusiasm you put in, the more you’ll get out if this program. – Arushi Vasrivastava

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh opportunities offered by CASE Space School, please visit www.actura.com.au