Students claim gold at the Palace
On a gloriously sunny day in the English capital, 17 students – both past and present – from Beauchamp College and Beauchamp City Sixth Form attended the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Ceremony, held in the magnificent gardens of Buckingham Palace, surrounded by proud families, friends and teachers.
The ceremony marked the culmination of years of dedication, resilience and hard work. Having progressed through the Bronze and Silver levels, these students reached the highest tier of the DofE journey and joined hundreds of young people from across the country who had also attained this remarkable honour of Gold.
Attendees were treated to inspiring talks from a host of special guests – including singer Calum Scott and JB Gill of JLS – while the Palace gardens also hosted interactive events and celebrations throughout the day.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Scheme is proudly offered across all Lionheart secondary schools, with the coveted Gold Award available to students in our sixth forms. While hugely rewarding, the programme is known for its demands, requiring commitment, initiative and personal drive.
To achieve their awards, students completed four distinct elements: volunteering, developing a new skill, undertaking a physical activity and completing a challenging expedition. From supporting local sports clubs and charity shops to navigating remote landscapes, our students embraced every aspect with enthusiasm and determination. Along the way, they also acquired life skills such as cooking and budgeting; one student even mastered the art of chess!
The remarkable achievement of Lionheart sixth formers is a true testament to the students' hard work, dedication and perseverance, as well as the support received from school staff and Lionheart’s DofE programme leader, Ian Coward!
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Lionheart Educational Trust