Menu
Back to News ListPreviousNext

Kate receives Gold Award at St James's Palace

On Tuesday 26th November former Year 13 student Kate Baldwin attended St. James’s Palace, London, where she received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from celebrity adventurer, David Love. Teacher and Duke of Edinburgh Manager Amanda Kirby presented the group with their Gold Awards on behalf of Prince Edward Earl of Wessex. During the presentation the Earl of Wessex took the opportunity to congratulate groups on their successes and heard about the work the award winners had done to achieve their awards. Mrs Kirby said, “It was an intimate event where young people were rewarded for their hard work and dedication".

Recognition was also given to Mrs Kirby for her 19 years association with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, when she was also presented with a long service award for her commitment to the award scheme.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award programmes enable any young person, aged 14-24, to develop key skills for life and work, such as confidence, commitment and team working. The Gold award takes participants approximately 12 to 18 months to achieve, and during this time they perform volunteering work, learn a new skill, improve their fitness and take part in a week-long residential course to plan and subsequently undertake an expedition in the countryside.

There are currently over 300,000 young people taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh programme across the UK through a variety of centres, including both state and independent schools, special schools, businesses, prisons, young offender institutions and youth groups.

Congratulations to Kate on her well deserved achievement, and also to Mrs Kirby, without whom many young people would not have had the opportunity to participate in this fantastic scheme.

To find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and how it enables young people to succeed, please visit  www.DofE.org 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to News ListPreviousNext

Categories

Category / All Articles

Archives

Also Featured

19th December

Charities Week 2025

The halls of St Clement Danes School have been buzzing with holiday cheer this week as the annual Charities Week is officially in full swing. As the Autumn Term draws to a close, pupils and staff have united to raise vital funds for three incredible causes: Endometriosis UK, Spread a Smile, and Herts Young Homeless. The school is alive with the spirit of giving, driven by a jam packed ‘Advent’ schedule designed to get everyone involved in the fundraising efforts. This year’s itinerary has been filled with exciting activities, ranging from pupil led lessons and a "Mystery Bucket" challenge to the competitive excitement of the "Elf Auction" and various competitions. Pupils have also enjoyed the classic "Sponge the Teacher" event and a visit to Santa’s Grotto, ensuring the festive atmosphere is matched only by the community’s generosity. Beyond the classroom activities, pupils have been sharing the festive spirit with the wider community. On 18th December, the SCD Senior Choir paid a special visit to Chorleywood Manor Care Home. The residents were treated to a beautiful selection of Christmas carols, featuring performances by members of the Chamber Choir, Evensong Choir, and the Barbershop Choir. Year 12 pupils Immy and Chrissie noted that "it was a very joyful occasion and it was lovely to see the residents joining in and looking so happy." The success of such a busy week relies heavily on pupil leadership, and the school extends a massive vote of thanks to Year 13 for their incredible hard work and dedication. Their enthusiasm have been the driving force behind this week's fundraising efforts. The week is set to conclude on Friday with the Grand Finale: the highly anticipated Sixth Form Revue, promising a spectacular end to a week of community, charity and celebration.