Shiplake College have been running Duke of Edinburgh expeditions for years; many pupils from across the year groups choose to get involved, in order to gain a Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Award. The award is popular with schools across the country. Shiplake pupils have visited all manner of places, from Snowden, to the Brecon Beacons, to the Chilterns, in order to complete tasks and expeditions. On Monday 16 May, the DofE Award was celebrated at Buckingham Palace.
Headmaster Gregg Davies, along with Head of DofE Mr Steve Macpherson and Mr Darius Bluck, headed to Buckingham Palace to celebrate the success of the award, which was founded 60 years ago. A once in a lifetime opportunity, the Shiplake staff tried to catch a glimpse of royalty, whilst spending time with television royalty - Dr Christian Jessen. Schools from across the United Kingdom attended the prestigious event. Shiplake College, a licensed organisation for running the DofE, was presented with a special plaque from the DofE charity by celebrity supporter Dr Christian Jessen, acknowledging the school’s commitment to running the DofE, and thanking the College for giving young people the opportunity to transform their lives. Very many congratulations to Charlie Proctor for earning his Gold Award.
The DofE is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary throughout 2016, having supported millions of young people in the UK and across the globe to achieve DofE Awards since it was founded in 1956. The prestigious Gold Award Presentation at Buckingham Palace is one of many memorable events taking place to celebrate 60 years of the charity. Members of the Royal Family; HRH THE Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Earl of Wessex and HRH The Countess of Wessex, congratulated those that were present, including young Gold Award achievers, organisations that deliver the DofE and special guests. The DofE Award is a wonderful way for pupils to volunteer in the community, learn a skill, get fit, go on an expedition or even take part in a week-long residential. This significantly impacts young people’s futures, enabling them to develop vital skills for life and work. Widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people, Shiplake College is incredibly proud to hold the licence to deliver DofE programmes.
