College students completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh ‘ s Hillary Award, from left (L-R): Dominic Edmond, John An, Ben Davis, Connor Graham, Jonathan Huo, Jamie Barr
Duke of Edinburgh honours board in the assembly hall foyer. It’s entirely possible for all the boys to achieve this in their time at College, but it does call for them to push themselves hard.” While the existing board is for students who’ve completed the award while at school, approval in principle has been given for another board to be installed to record the names of those who complete their gold award after leaving school. Students have until age 24 to complete this award – it does not need to be completed at secondary school. “We want to encourage boys to enrol in their gold award before they leave College, and we will then recognise them, if they wish, on the honours board when they finish it.” The critical factor in all the effort for the Duke of Edinburgh award
“We invest in the students, and then it's time for them to continue on... it's entirely possible for all the boys to achieve this in their time at College, but it does call for them to push themselves hard. ” Graeme Christey
is to ensure they keep their log of achievement up to date. “They need to continue keying in their entries online, and my biggest frustration is that some don’t do so, and miss out on the recognition they’re due.” The Duke of Edinburgh‘s Hillary Award is a youth awards programme, founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, and now operating in 144 nations. It is divided into three levels, bronze, silver and gold, each progressively
more challenging. Within each level there are four sections – voluntary service, skills, physical recreation, and adventurous journey – with a residential project added at gold level. Connor Graham credits the Duke of Edinburgh award with keeping him motivated. The Year 13 Harper House student will complete his gold award this year and says while it has required “a bit of determination,” attaining the award is a significant milestone.
College Issue 39 2020
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