The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a non-competitive program of community, practical, adventurous and physical activities embracing the four sections of Skill, Volunteering, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey. These areas provide an opportunity for young people aged between 14-25 to acquire and develop skills, initiative and self-esteem which will help them become more confident members of the community. Participation in the Award is highly regarded by many employees and organisations.

At De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah, the program is offered to students in Year 9 and Year 10. The Bronze Award takes six months, while the Silver Award takes twelve months.

Students are required to learn or follow a skill (such as a passive hobby or interest) for a minimum of 3 months. This can include learning a musical instrument, cooking, taking up a foreign language, completing a computer course etc.

Students are required to undertake a volunteering initiative for up to 3 months. This can be done through school-based community service or outside involvement e.g. surf club, first-aid, refereeing, sports coaching etc.

Students are required to be involved in some form of physical recreation for a minimum of 3 months. Many students may already be doing this e.g. playing a sort on a weekend/orienteering etc.

Undertake two group Adventurous Journeys (expeditions) that require participants to camp out overnight after completing some basic training. The school will guide students through this process and organise the expeditions in school times in Term 1 and 4.