Duke of Edinburgh Award

Duke of Edinburgh

I have just taken my Grade 8 drumming exam and play for Greater Manchester Youth Brass Band too, making the hours required for my skill section easy to rack up. I have made new friends through the county band and, being shy, it has given me more confidence about going into an environment where I know no one. It was also a pleasure to play at the Bridgewater Hall and Peel Hall. For my Silver expedition, I chose canoeing. Being a smaller group has made it good fun, it’s been nice getting to know peers you don’t always see in school time. Despite being attacked by swans on the Leeds-Liverpool canal and the fact none of us want to see a lock again, I’m really looking forward to the qualifier on the River Ouse. Combine something new with something you love and it becomes a rewarding experience with new hobbies and new friends along the way.

Millie Ashton Year 10

I contemplated volunteering in a charity shop or joining the local litter-picking group, but in the end I decided to enquire at my local vets and in a matter of weeks I had some dates. I expected just to be cleaning cages but instead I got to take care of the animals before and after surgery and even witness operations. I found this quite intimidating at first but then also extremely interesting. My physical skill was springboard diving. I was very passionate about it as I have been doing it for eight years. My goal for this section was to perfect my 1.5 somersault and I was successful in this as I worked very hard with my coach. However, it did come with challenges! After an injury, I was nervous to try this dive again but after forcing myself to do it once, with the support of my friends I was back on the way towards my target. I am extremely glad that I chose to take part in the Silver award and am looking forward to starting my Gold next year.

Madeline Ashton Year 11

The Gold Award has been a tough yet rewarding process of commitment to various activities over the past year. At the end of Year 11, I chose to undertake the National Citizen Service at Bolton Lads and Girls club, part of which comprised a residential at Bolton University. I took on the role of project manager and led our team in devising a plan to rejuvenate two local disadvantaged nurseries. The final week when the whole project came together was the highlight of my experience. Seeing the outcome of our hard work and planning was so rewarding, especially when we saw the reactions of the nursery staff and children. I’m really grateful that I persevered through my Duke of Edinburgh Award. It has shaped me into a well-rounded individual and it’s not just the new skills I’ve gained that are important, but also the people I have met and the experiences I’ve had. For anyone who is considering the Gold Award, I highly recommend it. It’s been an unforgettable, life-changing experience, and I am certain that I will continue to volunteer and try out new activities in the many years to come.

Khadijah Ali Year 13

A record-breaking 119 pupils in Year 10 have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards this year, and a further 58 have gone on to achieve the Silver Award! Four students also received Gold Awards at the annual Celebration Evening held in the Summer Term. As always, the whole of Year 9 began work on their Bronze Awards with practice and qualifying expeditions: always a source of excitement and trepidation.