Duke of Edinburgh Awards at Government House

On Thursday 14th November, His Excellency presented Duke of Edinburgh bronze awards to eight students from Le Murier.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is the world's leading achievement award for young people, which was launched in February 1956 for boys aged 15 to 18. The scheme was opened up to girls in 1958 and today there are over 300,000 young people throughout Britain taking part in the programme.

The programme saw students working on the different section choices based on their own abilities and interests. They worked on these sections over periods of 3-6 months each and, in addition, the students undertook training in the lead up to both practice and qualifying expeditions. They learnt skills in first aid and emergency procedures and developed an awareness of risk and safety.  The basics of navigation, route planning, map reading and compass skills were also covered during the course. In preparation for the overnight camping students also had to grasp camp craft, cooking and hygiene.

For the physical section, all of these students attended the gym at the College of Further Education for six months, chiefly in preparation for their Outdoor Activities Residential. Each student aimed to develop their fitness, strength and stamina, and so improve their ability to walk or run long distances.

For the remaining two sections, of skills and volunteering, the recipients each chose their own activities ranging from caring for horses to developing woodworking skills.

Congratulations to you all on this great achievement!