College Recognised for its Duke of Edinburgh Success
Duke of Edinburgh offers a range of challenges and possibilities with three levels to complete the programme. When successfully completed can lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The main differences between them are the minimum length of time they take to complete, how challenging they are and the minimum age you can start.
Stacey Blackwell (Student Activity Coordinator) was invited down to St James’ Palace due to the success of the award delivered at North Lindsey College – reaching an all-time record, with 95 students achieving their bronze award. This is a first for North Lindsey College and has created great interest, which is something that has never been achieved before locally.
Stacey said, “This was possible due to all the staff supporting each other and ensuring the students had the best opportunities to pass their awards. Students needed to complete courses such as first aid, which was supplied through the funding of Headstart and delivered by HFR Solutions CIC. Uniformed services staff at the College also delivered a short map navigation course preparing the students for their expeditions.
“On the day (at St James’ Palace) I got to see Prince Edward and special guest Holly Budge and be a part of the presentation of the awards. I felt very privileged and honoured to be invited as a special guest and being a part of something so special. The day has inspired me to encourage more students to complete their awards and hopefully get a few students to complete their gold awards so that they can have the opportunity to go to the palaces in London.”
A special presentation has been organised in February for the students to receive their awards and pin badges with special guest presenter, Colin Maclachlan. Colin is a former member of the SAS and more recently appeared on Channel 4’s SAS, Who Dares Wins.
