2016 marks the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This year 49 students entered the Award Scheme under the QEII School Unit. 37 students gained an award equalling a conversion rate of 76% which is excellent. There were 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 29 Bronze awards achieved.
Some of the benefits to the young people included developing self-confidence and self-reliance; gaining a sense of achievement and a sense of responsibility; discovering new skills, interests and talents and developing leadership skills and abilities. Students also discovered exciting opportunities; made new friends; experienced teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making opportunities. Hopefully the award helped increase motivation, enhanced self-esteem and developed communication skills. Many also had fun.
Students undertook expeditions by foot, cycle and kayak on the Isle of Man, in Greenland and in Skye. New skills learnt included bread making, agriculture, conjuring, horse care, musical instruments, car maintenance, drawing and photography. Students undertook hundreds of hours of volunteering work including helping with Scouts, Guides, Church and Youth Clubs as well as sports coaching. Students also helped at local charity shops and animal charities. For the physical section of the award numerous sports were undertaken including synchronised swimming, golf, kayaking, race walking, horse riding, cycling, netball, badminton, rugby and football.
Mrs Sleight (Unit Leader) said 'I would like to thank the very many volunteers and staff who have helped me over the past 12 years with the Unit. During this time 852 students have been involved in the Scheme with 594 gaining Awards, a fantastic conversion rate of 70%. Next academic year I will be having a year out to concentrate on my sport of archery. If there are any past students who still need help to complete their Award please make contact before the end of July. I have enjoyed helping with the Award scheme with highlights including leading great expeditions to wilderness areas of South Australia, Northern Ontario, Vancouver Island, Queen Charlotte Islands and South and West Greenland. Over 120 students were given the opportunity to take part and I know many still have fond memories of their Gold expeditions. I would like to thank all the leaders who have given a considerable amount of their time and leave to help with these fantastic ventures.'
Congratulations to following who gained awards from 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016
Gold - Breeshey Bond, Peter Daniels, Christian Hardman, Calum Johnson
Silver -Thomas Clague, Emily Jones, Lewis Parry, Amy Smith
Bronze – Amy Anderson, Augusta Atherton, Arthur Bankes-Jones, Lewis Brew, Jimmy Bostock, Hannah Buttimore, Elle Cain, Beth Colgan, Callum Davies, Emma Draper, Kate Dowling, Emily Edge, Conor Gelling, Hannah Geoghegan, Darcie Gray, Megan Griffiths, Nathan Harmer, Harry Hewson, Lizzie Jones, Harab Khan, Jessica Kneen, Cedric Lucas, Alice Owen, Matthew Shimmin, Emma Sutton, Tara Sutton, Ruby Turner, Phoebe Van Gemeren, Lucy Webber
