Gold Duke of Edinburgh award winners invited to Buckingham Palace

Congratulations to sixth form students Ben C, Ben R, Matthew, Alex and Lamees who have achieved their Gold Award, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.Fellow sixth former James has also achieved this prestigious award through the Scout Association.

The students have been invited to attend Buckingham Palace on Thursday 17^th May 2018, where they will receive their awards from Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and HRH Countess of Wessex.

Head Boy Matthew Leveridge, said "I enjoyed taking part in the gold Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme as it encouraged me to try out new things, which I discovered I really enjoyed. For my residential trip I worked in a nature reserve for a week, something that I never would have normally thought about doing. I loved the experience as I got an opportunity to work with wild animals and meet new people who shared the same interests as me. As a result of this experience, I will be applying for more conservation work at different UK nature reserves, including a month long trip to a tiny island off the coast of Wales."

Fellow Gold Award Scheme winner Ben C added, "Taking part in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme gave me the opportunity to improve my skills for the physical activity component of the award. I improved my navigation and sailing skills during an expedition in the Brecon Beacons, and sailing sessions at Rickmansworth Aquadrome . I also developed new skills such as driving and team building during a residential course at Southampton University. I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with my local Beaver group, particularly introducing the Beavers to outdoor activities."

Congratulations to all six students on their fantastic achievement. We wish you all a wonderful time at Buckingham Palace tomorrow, accompanied by Duke of Edinburgh Coordinators and teaching staff Mrs Amanda Kirby and Mr Carl Taylor.