On Friday 9^th May, our most recent Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award achievers were invited to Buckingham Palace for a morning of Golden celebrations. They had an amazing time, seeing HRH Duke of Edinburgh and hearing from celebrities on a variety of stages around the Gardens. It was a day to make memories, meet friends and remember their DofE adventures.  

Congratulations to Solene, Grace, Amelia, Miles, Ottalie, Jessica and Freya!

To reach this high level of recognition, students had to complete five elements: volunteering, physical, skill, a 4-day expedition, and a residential activity. Some examples of the activities they undertook over a 12- to 18-month period were:

Volunteering – St John’s Ambulance cadet and volunteering as a first aider at events/teaching first aid; volunteering in an Oxfam shop; coaching a sport to younger children; volunteering at Sayers Croft, helping with the activities that the young students are doing; volunteering at Boxgrove School.

Physical – football, hockey, gym work

Skill – learning a language, lots of cooking and creative activities, learning to grow a range of fruit and vegetables.

Residential – cooking course and chalet host guide at Season It Cookery in Morillion, French Alps; being a helper at Woodlarks explorer camp in Farnham, a summer camp with activities ranging from sport to cooking; residential children’s camp in Sri Lanka; volunteering with helping rescued cats in Barcelona

Expeditions for our students were either on foot or by canoe. All our expeditions are supported by Dynamic Adventures, who provide the most supportive and inspirational staff. The walkers completed their practice expedition in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and their qualifying expedition on Dartmoor. The canoeists paddled the River Dart as a practice and then the River Wye on their qualifying expedition. 

Cath Tanton, Activities, Service and DofE Manager