In May 2024, our current pupils Thomas T and Maddy H alongside Old Dunelmians Thomas B Grace J, and Millie M had the honour of attending a prestigious ceremony at Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Each recipient is allowed one guest, whom they have to nominate to press the last button of their various DofE sections—a moment often filled with emotion, especially for our Outdoor Activities Leader, Ron Sewell who watches on proudly.
The celebration was one of four taking place over two days at the Palace, recognising over 8,000 young people who have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and resilience to complete their Gold DofE. It is an impressive feat for our students to achieve their Gold Award, which is quite rare to achieve, to put it into context, just last year alone 330,948 young people started a DofE Award. To achieve a Gold DofE our students have to build their own programmes with activities in five sections – physical, skills, volunteering, a five-day residential and a four-day expedition - this takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. We are overjoyed every time any of our pupils gain any of the DofE Awards.
Grace J attended Durham School 2010-2016, completing all three awards while at school. She was involved in navy cadets, debate club, and swimming, among various others, which helped her complete the awards. It is fantastic to see our ODs achieve their award alongside our current pupils, who can both look back fondly on their times within the Outdoor Club at DCSF.
These trips often turn into memorable family outings alongside the incredible ceremony. Thomas T's family made the most of their weekend, arriving on Saturday to visit the Olympic Park and enjoying the virtual ABBA show that evening. On Sunday, Thomas and his mum explored the National Gallery, and on Monday, they had lunch in Covent Garden before heading to Buckingham Palace for the Awards ceremony, where Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, presented the awards.
Buckingham Palace Garden was transformed into a festival-style celebration for all of the young people and their loved ones, with giant deckchairs, bunting and garden games and activities. Attendees had the chance to hear from famous DofE Award holders and other inspiring speakers, with Actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe, animator and co-founder of Academy Award-winning Aardman studios Peter Lord CBE, Jodie Ounsley – also known as Fury from Gladiators – television presenter Karthi Gnanasegaram, and marathon runner Sally Orange MBE speaking at stages throughout the garden. Check out the two Toms' with Actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe!
Reflecting on last year's achievements, in May 2023, Heidi R (OD), Will P-M (OD), Seb C (OD), and Lottie H (OD) also received their Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace. Heidi was accompanied by her mum and teacher at Durham School, Mrs Rochester. Despite Heidi and Lottie having already graduated from Durham School, our support for them continued as they completed their awards, ae we are committed to our students' success even after they leave us.
These awards are a fitting reward for the immense hard work and dedication shown by our students. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and delighted to celebrate their success.
