Queen Elizabeth II High School students continue to embrace the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Programme. This year 52 students entered the scheme and 44 completed an Award. 9 participants gained a Gold Award, 15 a Silver Award and 20 a Bronze Award.
The students have worked tirelessly throughout the various sections, choosing a diverse programme of activities. Student’s volunteer work included working at charity shops, fundraising for charity, helping as young leaders with scouts, guides and youth clubs, coaching sport, working on farms and volunteering time with the Police and Coastguards. Physical section activities included sports such as tae-kwon-do, kick boxing, zumba, kayaking, mountain biking, archery and horse riding. The students have also learned skills such as playing a musical instrument, church bell ringing, photography, rifle shooting, creating soft furnishings, cookery and carpentry. Walking expeditions took place both on the Island and in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. The Gold five day residential saw students volunteering time at Ardwhallin Outdoor Centre, undertaking a photography course in Cumbria, attending an environmental conference in Sweden, an International Linguistics Olympia in Manchester and a youth church camp at Capenwray.
Sophia Winstanley, Unit Leader, said:
'The young people should be very proud of themselves, for they have not only gained an extremely prestigious award, but many individuals were able to prove themselves to be great team members, leaders and decision-makers. They have developed a range of skills, gained self-confidence and independence. Many others in the community have also benefitted from their volunteering activities. Some participants are still keen to carry on with their activities now that they have completed their award. These experiences show what an impact doing a Duke of Edinburgh Award can have. Students are developing the skills needed for life.'
Lesley Sleight, Unit Leader, added:
'I would like to thank the very many volunteers who give up their free time to help QEII participants with their Award. We are incredibly lucky to have so many people who want to make a difference to our young people and I would like to acknowledge and congratulate them on the contribution they have made. Over the past 10 years 529 pupils have achieved an Award and 750 students have been given the opportunity to take part in the Scheme.'
The following students completed Awards this year -
Gold Awards– Bridget Bale, Colin Bankes-Jones, Ben Cotton, Tom Doyle, Natalie Kneen, Erin McNulty, Harry Snape, Katia Tastagh, Beth Vickers
Silver Awards– Sahana Balakrishnan, Voirrey Bethune, Breeshey Bond, Peter Daniels, Jonathan Hastie, Wilf Hewson, Katie Hill, Calum Johnson, Juan Killey, Lee Moffatt, Ben Newsham, Kirree Radcliffe, Paige Skillicorn, Millie Smallwood, George Willoughby
Bronze Awards– Danielle Barton, Affrica Bethune, Sam Callin, Anthony Cawte, Thomas Clague, Maia Corlett, Gemma Dowling, Ferghus Doyle, Sophie Elliott, Ciaran Gell, Sarah Glover, Ellen Holden, Emily Jones, Beth Lings, Emma Mayhew, Amy Smith, Emma Vickers, and Katie Willson
