Twenty-two students from Year 11 have recently achieved Duke of Edinburgh awards. Usually, the group would have embarked upon a fantastic one-night expedition at Hadrian Wall, proceeding the six-month programme which allows students to develop their practical skills and talents, whilst pushing personal boundaries. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the expedition itself had to be cancelled; however, that did not prevent the Year 11s from pushing themselves out of their comfort zones attaining a whole new range of skills, growing in confidence and providing a brilliant entry on their CVs.
They have all done an incredible job of both surpassing personal goals and aiding our local community, such as their ventures to pick up litter and deliver food parcels to the elderly. During the strenuous times we are presently experiencing, their hands-on attitude in terms of enhancing essential skills such as team-work and communication has been admirable. One student who achieved her DofE award claimed, “I have learnt how to communicate well with others and express my ideas and opinions. I enjoyed trying something new which I wouldn’t have otherwise done.” Another said she has, “thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills, having the opportunity to volunteer and do good for our community.”
Written by Rosie Greatorex (Year 12)
“We would like to congratulate the Year 11 students on completing their DofE Certificate of Achievement. We are incredibly proud of the resilience they have shown learning new skills such as: cooking, woodcraft, magic as well as many others. They have made outstanding contributions to the community with litter picking, volunteering as Scouts and also at a Youth Club. The effort that these students have made to complete this award especially during difficult circumstance has been phenomenal. Well done!”
