NORTH WALSHAM HIGH SCHOOL APPOINTED DIRECTLY LICENSED CENTRE FOR DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME
Students at North Walsham High School are set to help celebrate the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s 60th birthday, with the announcement that the school has been appointed a Directly Licensed Centre for the scheme, allowing it to run the scheme and grant awards.
Acting head teacher Ian Winter – himself a Gold Award holder – received the certificate allowing the school to run the scheme at a ceremony in Norwich, from former Olympic silver medallist and D of E Central England director Phil Brown, and Lord Lieutenant Richard Jewson.
The school has recently been encouraging students to take part in the scheme, and currently 42 Year 10 and 11 students are working towards their awards.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme was founded in 1956, and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
“We are delighted to have been appointed a Directly Licensed Centre, which is a reflection of the seriousness with which we have embraced the D of E Awards scheme,” said Mr Winter, who was 18 when he went to Buckingham Palace to receive his Gold Award from Prince Philip.
“The scheme really helps bring out the best in young people. It challenges them, builds their confidence, raises their aspirations, and gives them a whole range of new skills – social, physical and community skills.
“For those who go on to achieve the highest level, a Gold Award, they will have a real qualification which will be looked on favourably by colleges, universities and employers alike. It shows that the young person is prepared to invest dedication and commitment to achieve their goals.”
Established in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to ‘inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development and recognise their achievements’. It aims to assist the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of young people. It is described as the world’s leading achievement award for young people. In 2014/15, 111,859 young people gained a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.