Students Shine at Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Night

In February, we were pleased to acknowledge all those who had recently completed their award by hosting a Trust-wide awards evening at Judgemeadow Community College in Evington.

The event brought together parents, carers, School Principals, DofE representatives and nearly 200 students, who received their Bronze and Silver awards from Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire.

Acquiring the DofE Award – from Bronze to Gold – is dependent on students completing four elements; carrying out voluntary work, completing a physical activity, learning a new skill and undertaking an expedition.

Over the last year, through supporting charities and helping out with sports coaching, our students have chalked up over 1500 hours of volunteering; they also broadened their horizons by learning new life skills – including fabric printing, cooking and how to play the violin – undertook various physical activities – such as cheerleading, karate and football –  and enjoyed thrilling expeditions to Rutland and the Peak District.

Beauchamp College student Freddie, who achieved the Bronze award, made great progress in his chosen skill of boxing, whist Tayhan was a fantastic leader during the expedition trip, accurately reading the map and planning a safe route.

Keah from The Cedars Academy had fun volunteering at Bernardo’s; similarly, Nathan enjoyed working on his technical football skills, improving his first touch and close control.

Having joined the Lionheart Educational Trust in 2022, this was the first opportunity for students at The Castle Rock School and The Newbridge School to participate in the DofE scheme. During the 25-mile expedition of Rutland, Newbridge student Lilia showed tremendous resilience, whilst Jake from Castle Rock was a real team player, ensuring nobody was left behind.

It was fantastic to see that all of their hard work paid off and they received the recognition they thoroughly deserved, as our students collected their certificates on stage.

Over the past year, 90% of Lionheart pupils taking the Bronze and Silver pathway completed their award; 30% higher than the national average most recently published by DofE. Students who achieved the Gold Award, meanwhile, can look forward to a lavished ceremony in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in May.

“The awards programme supports the holistic development work of our schools and colleges,” said Ian Coward, Lionheart’s DofE Programme Manager.

“The Trust facilitates the award to allow students to discover new aspirations and qualities beyond the classroom.”

If you would like to find out more about the DofE scheme, visit - https://dukeofedinburgh.lionhearttrust.org.uk/

Students receiving awards were from the following schools: Beauchamp City Sixth Form, Beauchamp College, The Castle Rock School, The Cedars Academy, Humphrey Perkins School, Judgemeadow Community College, Martin High School, The Newbridge School and Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College

Watch the highlights from this year's expeditions below