Background
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an international organisation, focused on developing young people in certain areas. These areas include physical activity, service in the community, and a skill of choice within reason.
My Contribution
These were my choices for each one of the categories:
- Physical Activity: Badminton
- Service: Teaching Assistance at Kumon
- Skill: Classical Guitar
I had put a lot of thought into each of my decisions. I chose badminton as I had already been playing it for a few years prior, and I find it very fun to partake in. Teaching also came to mind as I enjoy certain school subjects such as maths, so I thought it would suit me to help teach it to younger children in a tutoring centre. I also chose classical guitar as my allocated skill, as I have been playing it since 2015 when I first moved to Australia.
My Progress
In the Bronze level of the award, you are required to do 13 hours of each of your categories with a maximum of 1 hour per week for each area. However, you also have to chose one of these areas to be your “major” which means you will have to complete 26 hours.
As of now, I have completed my assigned 13 hours for the teaching service which has also been ticked off by my coordinator. During my time in Kumon, I learned many valuable skills that will help me in the future, such as communication, working with younger children, working under time pressure and understanding their grading system.
I have chosen guitar to be my major, which meant that I would have to complete 26 hours of it. My main goal with the guitar is to work my way towards completing AMEB (Australian Musical Examinations Board) Grade 8. So far, I have already completed a majority of the 26 hours throughout my journey. Throughout my time, I have been learning new songs, perfecting techniques, improving speed and even memorising parts. Guitar has also taught me valuable skills such as patience, practising over long periods, persistence and more. It will also be useful in the future as I can play for my family and friends to entertain.
I have also chosen my physical activity to be badminton. Despite my training for the past few months, I haven’t started logging my hours as my activity has not been approved yet. Through this training, I am hoping to improve my overall badminton skills so that I can play in tournaments in the future. I am also learning the proper technique, footwork, and speed which will all help me to improve my overall game.
Summary
I have enjoyed myself throughout my Duke of Edinburgh journey, and I am still definitely not finished yet. It has helped me to develop in different types of fundamental areas to help me grow as a person. I have also tried to make a positive difference in this world during this journey, especially in the tutoring service areas which was certainly a rewarding experience.