Intrepid students were honoured for their success on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme with a celebration evening.
Former Highfields teacher, Sir Michael Griffiths, who was awarded a knighthood for his services to education, presented certificates along with DofE Area Manager, Lisa Atkinson.
A total of 76 DofE Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates were handed out on the night.
All Bronze students have had to complete at least three months of volunteering, learning a new skill with a physical element, as well as a two-day practice and assessed expedition at Llandrinio. The Silver Award includes at least six months of volunteering, with a three-day assessed expedition to Llandrinio and the Long Mynd. The Gold Award students completed all of these sections, over 12 months, as well as a gruelling four-day practice and assessed expedition in Snowdonia and the Lake District. They also completed a four-day residential shared experience with other young people.
The seven Gold Award recipients were Miss L McKenna-Fraser, who has been working as an apprentice this year for Highfields School, Highfields Sixth Form student Shifani Passap, and former students Alice Barrie, Rachel Clarke, Jemma Payne, Owen and Kent Stavenuiter.
Special in-house awards were also presented on the night to students who have worked to achieve beyond the expectations of the award they completed. The Bronze Award went to Jack Edwards, with the Silver Award going to Vishal Patel and the Gold Endeavour Award being split between Miss L McKenna-Fraser and Jemma Payne.
All of the Gold Award winners will be officially presented with their awards during a glittering celebration in London on a date to be confirmed.
Mr C Moody, Highfields’ DofE Co-ordinator, said: “This year has been really positive for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award pro- gramme.
“They have all been on an incredible journey and they have had many memorable experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
