The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DEAS) is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 25. It is aimed at personal challenge, service and responsibility, developed through a range of activities in four mandatory areas: service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journeys.
There are three levels: bronze (for those 14 years and older), silver (for those 15 years and older) and gold (for those 16 years and older). In New South Wales the Scheme is overseen by an office connected to the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation.
At Grammar, the Scheme is co-ordinated by Ms RM Fin. She provides information to boys and issues the required books for recording of activities. There is one intake of new participants at the beginning of each year. Ms Fin will ensure that only activities approved by the School will be allowed to count as DEAS activities. All activites must be taken out of class time.
The School provides opportunities for Award activities as follows:-
Service
- Community Service work (supervised by the master-in-charge, Mr Rimmer)
- Ranking position in Army or Air Cadets (subject to approval and supervision of the relevant master-in-charge, Mr Cree or Mr Roach)
- Work in the School Library ( prior approval by Dr Hughes and supervised by Ms Rysensteen)
- Providing AV assistance for School Drama (supervised by Mr M Warry)
- Refereeing of school games (supervised by the Sportsmaster, Mrs Ditmarsch, with the assistance of relevant masters-in-charge)
Skills
- Instrumental music (supervised by music teachers/tutors under the direction of Mr Wagner)
- Debating (supervised by the master-in-charge, Dr Dorofaeff, with assistance of the relevant masters and coaches)
- Drama (must involve more than one production; supervised by Miss Williams)
Skills continued
- Film Production (supervised by Mr CJ Williams)
- Chess (supervised by Mr Gourlay)
- Fishing or Fly Tying (supervised by Mr Yabsley)
Physical Recreation
Official School Sport (winter or summer; must involve a whole season; supervised by masters-in-charge and coaches under the direction of the Sportsmaster, Mrs Ditmarsch)
Adventurous Journeys
- All qualifying expeditions must be undertaken with direct supervision under the management of the Collaroy Centre or Camp Somerset and Ms Fin must have given prior written approval. This approval must cover the names of the Grammar boys taking part, the route and the dates.
- Practice expeditions may be undertaken through Camp Somerset and the Collaroy Centre but annual camp excursions undertaken as part of Air or Army Cadets may also be counted if prior approval of all the details has been obtained from Ms Fin.
- This requirement will not be waived in any circumstances.
Residential Activities (GOLD LEVEL ONLY)
Residential activities must be approved in advance, in writing by Ms Fin, after a boy has submitted a written proposal to her and only if his parents have signed and returned to her a consent form relating to the activity.
Note: Under no circumstances will the School endorse any activity undertaken by a boy after he has left the School.