The 2023 Duke of Edinburgh Awards for Barton Peveril Students has begun as 40 students train for their expedition, determined to complete their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award is a voluntary and non-competitive programme of cultural and adventurous activities for all young people. The DofE’s strategy is about empowering young people, supporting them learn new skills to overcome obstacles.
Students are required to fulfil an expedition whereby students plan, train and complete a journey. In the autumn term, the Bronze Barton Peveril Students completed their training and expedition of 3 days and 2 nights.
The Silver and Gold Award students are beginning to plan and train for their upcoming Assessed Expedition.
On the 28th and 29th January, 40 Barton Peveril students spent their time training and planning their expeditions. The training involved; learning map reading skills, first aid, meal planning, and camping skills. The following weekend, each group spent a day in the New Forest, starting from Beaulieu Road Train Station, testing their map reading skills.
This year the Assessed Silver Award Expedition will take place in the Purbecks, prior to the assessment DofE students are to train in the New Forest. The Gold Award students will be training in the Brecon Beacons for their Assessed Expedition in the Peak District.
Gold Award student and formerly of Wildern School, Joanna Kilick speaks on her experience:
““I am thrilled to be taking part in the DofE Gold Award with College as I have always been passionate about the environment and hiking and I feel it would benefit my future so I am very glad that I don’t have to miss out on this amazing opportunity because of expenses which the college has handled very well.”
Former students of Meoncross School, Phoebe Rabjohn and Alex Jones are currently training for their Gold awards, Jones says:
“The skills that I have learnt so far from the experience stretch beyond just camping and have crossed over into my daily life. For my volunteering I coach a grassroots girls football team and I have discovered a passion in it. DofE has given me these skills and opportunities as well as a great experience that I have shared with existing friends as well as new friends that I have made during DofE.”
Rabjohn:
“The DofE skills I have learnt are not just camping based, but will be helpful when moving on from college. For the upcoming first years, it’s also a great way to meet new people with similar interests and goals. For anyone thinking of doing it but is sceptical because of costs and finances the college has been really helpful and offers ways to make it financially available to all.”
Formerly from Cantell School, Runoh Ahwinahwi reflects back on her time doing the DofE expedition, providing advice to those looking to gain experience and new skills:
“I learnt how to work efficiently and effectively with a team and its a life-improving experience, where you pick up new skills and make new friends.”
Sarah Jales, Barton Peveril’s Duke of Edinburgh Manager reflects on the Students commitment:
“It is rare for students now, particularly post-Covid, to get to experience the level of challenge, independence and freedom that the DofE provides. Students experience new hobbies, learn new life skills and build the resilience to complete experiences outside their comfort zone. I see the gain in confidence students get by doing this, and see it as my job to enable and encourage as many students to participate as possible, by removing any barriers, financial or otherwise.”
