Scouts, the QCE and the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Scouts, the QCE and the Duke of Edinburgh Award!

Did you know that as a Scout you can complete the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and earn QCE points and Scout badges?

The Dukes is an opportunity to earn an internationally recognised award. A chance to try something different or extend on something you are already doing eg: another grade up on Taekwondo or music or improve on a hobby.
• Set your own challenges. 
• Contribute to your community.
• Have fun with other participants in Scouts
• Earn points towards your QCE. 
• Use activities towards Special Interest Area (SIA). 
• Use Journeys for Outdoor. Activity Skills (OAS) & Peak Awards. 
• Gain confidence in your abilities. 
• Looks great on a resume. 
• The Award a highly valued on a University Application. 

All of this is possible all whilst being a part of your normal Scout/Venturer Unit.


The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (often called the "Duke of Ed") is a globally recognized youth development program designed to help young people (aged 14 to 24) build essential life skills, resilience, and confidence. It is highly regarded by employers and universities as it showcases a participant's dedication, initiative, and perseverance.

How Does the Award Work?

The program is voluntary, flexible, and non-competitive, allowing participants to set their own goals and work towards personal growth. It has three levels:
✔ Bronze (14+ years, ~6 months)
✔ Silver (15+ years, ~12 months)
✔ Gold (16+ years, ~18 months)

Each level involves four key sections (Gold has an additional section):

  1. Physical Recreation – Encouraging an active lifestyle (e.g., sports, fitness, dance).
  2. Skills – Learning something new or improving an existing skill (e.g., music, cooking, coding).
  3. Voluntary Service – Giving back to the community through service (e.g., Scouts, charity work, mentoring).
  4. Adventurous Journey – Exploring the outdoors and developing teamwork (e.g., hiking, kayaking, camping).
  5. Gold Residential Project (Gold level only) – A multi-day experience where participants engage in community projects, leadership activities, or personal development.

The Award is not about being the best—it’s about personal growth and perseverance. Many parents find that their child becomes more responsible, resilient, and self-motivated through the program.

Queensland Certificate of Education

The Duke of Ed is a recognised course of study for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), which is usually awarded at the end of Year 12. You can earn up to 4 credits—1 for Bronze, 1 for Silver and 2 for Gold.

To earn credit points for your QCE, you must complete your Award while you are in Years 10–12 and provide the State Award Operating Authority with your Learner Unique Identifier (LUI).

The Connection to Scouts

In Australia, Scouts can be a great way to complete components of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) at all levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Since both programs emphasize personal development, outdoor adventure, and leadership, participation in Scouts can help fulfill many DofE requirements.

How Scouts Fits into DofE:

The DofE Award has four main sections (five at Gold level), and Scouts activities can count toward multiple areas:

  1. Physical Recreation – Many Scouting activities, such as hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, or other sports, can count.
  2. Skill – Scouts can use activities like navigation, first aid, campcraft, or leadership development as their skill.
  3. Voluntary Service – Leadership roles within Scouts, such as being a Patrol Leader, mentoring younger Scouts, or helping with community service projects, count toward this section.
  4. Adventurous Journey – Scouting expeditions and camps that meet DofE requirements can be used, as long as they involve planning, self-sufficiency, and teamwork.
  5. Gold Residential Project (Gold Level Only) – Extended Scouting camps, Jamborees, or leadership training courses may qualify.

How to Make It Work:

  • Ensure activities align with DofE criteria (e.g., sufficient time commitment, supervisor qualifications).
  • Get an approved DofE Assessor (often a Scout Leader) to sign off on each section.
  • Keep records (logs, photos, reports) to track progress.

Many Scouts complete DofE alongside their Australian Peak Awards (e.g., Venturer Scout Peak Award) since they complement each other well.

Current Cost of the Duke of Edinburgh Award 

The registration fee covers the Online Record Book, certificate and badge.

There may be extra costs depending on the activities chosen. 

Bronze $186.25

Silver $191.80

Gold $197.25

For more information on the Award check out https://dukeofed.com.au/  

Note: To connect with Scouts, choose 'Scouts Australia Queensland Branch Inc from the 'Select your School or Organisation on the sign up page.

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