Celebrating students’ achievements at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ceremony

At Judgemeadow Community College, in front of parents/carers, school principals and DofE representatives, the students were officially presented with their Bronze and Silver awards by Mr John Chatfeild-Roberts, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire for 2024-25. 

A key part of our extracurricular programme, the DofE scheme encourages students from Year 9 to undertake holistic development outside of the classroom. Acquiring this prestigious accolade is dependent on students completing four different elements: conducting voluntary work, undertaking a physical activity, learning a new skill and embarking on an expedition. 

For example, Anisha and Krisha, Beauchamp College students who achieved the Bronze award, both volunteered at local Brownie groups, making a significant impact on the young girls they mentored. Meanwhile, Geet, also at Beauchamp, mastered the piano as his new skill, impressively reaching Grade 2.  

Florence from The Cedars Academy made waves by progressing from Stage 3 to Stage 6 in swimming, showcasing her dedication and talent. At Martin High School, Oscar honed his culinary skills, pursuing his passion for cooking. 

At Judgemeadow, Rushda channelled his creativity into improving his drawing skills, producing stunning artwork. Also, Scarlett, a student at Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College, saw her confidence soar in dance classes, captivating audiences with her performances.  

Luke at The Castle Rock chose cycling as his physical activity and became a much more confident rider, while Sophie at Humphrey Perkins went above and beyond to support at acrobatics classes, guiding younger students with enthusiasm and care. Finally, Etta at The Newbridge School demonstrated her flair in the kitchen by creating delicious food and enhancing her knowledge of hygiene and safety. 

“Students completing their awards are unquestionably resourceful in planning and completing the four activities,” said Ian Coward, Lionheart’s DofE Programme Manager.  

“They are equipped now with new experiences to enable success.” 

It was brilliant to see our students' dedication being rewarded as they proudly accepted their certificates on stage; a testament to their hard work and perseverance.  

The DofE scheme provides our young people with invaluable experiences that foster personal growth and resilience. As we celebrate the achievements of our latest cohort, we look forward to seeing even more learners embark on this rewarding journey in the years to come. 

To find out more about the DofE scheme, visit - https://dukeofedinburgh.lionhearttrust.org.uk/