Mrs Holloway, Director of Outdoor Education
On Friday last week, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Edward is the new Duke of Edinburgh. On Monday it was announced that HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is the new Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The Duke has been a passionate and active supporter of the DofE Award charity for many years, having achieved his own Gold Award in 1986 and becoming a Trustee in 1988. On Monday to mark the announcement, and as his first official engagement in his new role, The Duke met young people in Derby and Nottingham, who are making a difference to their communities, workplace and futures through their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Five of our students were invited, along with Mr Fear and Mrs Holloway, as guests to meet him on his walkabout at Stonebridge City Farm.
Darcie J (Y13) – Raised around £6000, volunteering at Stonebridge city farm during her Silver and Gold Volunteering.
Marcus S (Y12 – DofE Young leader at School
Vuyo M (Y12) – DofE Young leader at School
Phoebe F (Y11) – Crocheted a huge number of beautiful baby hats for neonatal babies at City Hospital.
Angel B (Y10) – Won an award for her Knife Crime poem from Stephen Lawrence foundation, as part of volunteering activities with the police cadets.
The Duke didn’t let the weather stop him as he planted the commemorative tree with Darcie and Marcus in hailstones, and took the time afterwards to speak with each of them despite the inclement weather. The Duke also met and spoke to each of the students invited from other local Nottingham Schools during his visit. He was very friendly and approachable with all the young people he met, and put everyone at ease, just as his father used to. All of our invited High School students enjoyed a conversation with him during the visit. BBC East Midlands interviewed Darcie and Marcus after they planted the commemorative tree with the Duke in the gardens. Their interviews made the BBC 6.30 local news programme, and all of our students featured in the report footage aired, which can be found here.
The Duke said: “Some say The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in my DNA; it’s certainly been a major part of my life for a very long time. Being asked to take on the role of Patron after my father is a particular honour and quite a responsibility. Sustaining and enhancing what is arguably his greatest legacy around the world matters a great deal to me, as does pursuing the Award’s long-term ambition of universal access so that every eligible young person has the opportunity to participate. Above all, I hope to ensure the Award to which my father gave his title, those that achieve it, and those who deliver it continue to enjoy the recognition they so richly deserve.”
