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Hard work pays off for DofE students

Barbara Freeman / Categories: News

To complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards, students have to complete three units for up to 6 months each; PHYSICAL, SKILL and VOLUNTEERING. Both groups have completed their final expedition and are now pulling together the last of their evidence and witness statements to complete their final paperwork.

The PHYSICAL unit requires students to become involved in sport over a period of 3 or 6 months. They must provide evidence and independent witness statements to complete the unit. The SKILL section is also over a sustained period of time and has including subjects such as dressmaking, design and cookery.

Megan and Issy in Year 9 said: “we joined the DofE to learn new skills and get involved in volunteering as we thought it would be a good opportunity. The expedition was harder than we expected but it was good fun.” Both girls have been volunteering with a conservation group at Shaw Forest at weekends, which they say has helped them to understand the importance of taking care of the environment. They said: “doing the DofE has taught me not to give up, things take time and people depend on you. We’ve had to work as a team and help each other out, both when volunteering and on the expedition.”

Tom, Jack, Jay and Aaron said they thought it would be hard but they welcomed the opportunity to learn new skills and get involved in volunteering in the community. The boys have been helping out with a ‘tiny tots’ football class, working on a dairy farm and volunteering in the school library. Tom said: the map reading was quite complex when we went on the expedition.” Jack agreed, saying : ”there were lots of places where we could go wrong and we had to work together as a team. The best bit of the DofE was the expedition and volunteering”.

The students have all agreed that doing the DofE Award has helped them in many ways and that it will help them when applying for college and jobs in the future. Most of the students are hoping to be able to proceed to the Silver and Gold awards, with the opportunity to climb Snowdon.

Aaron has really enjoyed his voluntary work on the dairy farm and hopes to be able to continue after the DofE Award. He has been helping out with milking the cows and has been able to drive a tractor.

Katie, Charlotte and Cerys said that when they signed up for the DofE they thought it would be easier but they were keen to give it a try.  With voluntary placements in the school library, an after-school club in a primary school, and a children’s club at a local community centre, the girls said they have learnt how to be self-sufficient.

The Year 11 group are just one step away from completing the award, after their expedition this weekend. They have been working incredibly hard on their DofE assignments alongside their GCSEs.

Jodie, Chloe and Isha said they thought it would be a lot easier but it’s made them realise that they are stronger than they thought. They have learned new skills including map reading. The girls have been doing voluntary work in a charity shop and a care home.

Aaron and Sam in Year 11 have really enjoyed the opportunity to do the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  Sam said: “The best part for me was the practice expedition, it taught me independence. It also taught me that I’m a bad cook, and that it’s important to keep your pans clean.”

Aaron said: “the work we’ve had to do has been quite complex but it’s worth it. Getting the DofE Award is special, most people don’t get the opportunity to do it.

The best part for me was the expedition and volunteering as a football coach with children. My advice to anyone thinking about doing the DofE would be “go for it.” It’s all good, it’s a good thing to have on your CV and it’s been a fantastic experience.”

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