Significant rise in the number of students enjoying DofE
Categories: College News
There has been a significant increase in the number of students at The Henry Cort Community College enjoying The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. The scheme has been offered to students at the school for seven years and typically attracted 12 students per year. This figure rose to 19 students last year, and a staggering 43 students in 2012.
Wendy Townrow, teacher and the college’s DofE Coordinator said: “The Duke of Edinbugh's Award gets young people involved in the community as well as learning new skills for themselves. The expeditions stretch them to achieve beyond their normal capabilities and teach them life skills, an enjoyment of the countryside and, most importantly, how to work together as a team. I firmly believe that young lives are enriched through DofE - and if it wasn't fun, I wouldn't do it myself!”
On 21 April – 22 April, 43 students visited Lyons Copse, Meon Valley, which consists of 38 acres of prime campsite and adjoining woodland. Over the past 30 years volunteer parties have developed the site into one of the foremost Scouting sites in southern England. For many students, this was their first camping trip. They cooked their own evening meal and their breakfast. They worked as a team during a lively climbing exercise as well as compass-work, route-planning and an activity to show how to pack a rucksack. On Sunday 22 April, the students hiked back to college, carrying their backpacks and weathering a very heavy storm.
Phil Munday, Principal said: “Many of our students recently enjoyed a weekend away as part of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and it’s great to see that the number of participants continues to rise year on year. The scheme is an innovative way to inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development and be proud of their personal achievements.”
Kaleb Thompson, 15 recently won £100 worth of Cotsworld gift vouchers as part of an online quiz through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. The prize has enabled him to buy more outdoor kit for his Duke of Edinburgh activities. He remarked: “I thoroughly enjoy DofE at Henry Cort. It's something you shouldn't miss out on."
According to their website, the popularity of the DofE continues to grow. Participation in DofE programmes and the number of Awards achieved has grown every year since 1956. Today over 280,000 young people take part in DofE programmes in groups which are run in 10,533 DofE centres throughout the UK.