Olympus Academy Trust (OAT) leaders were recently invited to attend a once-in-a-lifetime Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Gold Award presentation at Buckingham Palace, London. At the event, the trust was presented with a special plaque from the DofE charity, acknowledging their commitment to running the DofE and thanking the organisation for giving young people the opportunity to transform their lives.
The DofE is celebrating its diamond anniversary throughout 2016, having supported millions of young people in the UK and across the globe to achieve the awards since it was founded in 1956.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Earl of Wessex and HRH The Countess of Wessex joined those that were present including school leaders, charities, corporate sponsors, and of course most importantly, many young people who have completed their Gold Awards over the last 60 years!
Led by the Olympus Academy Trust, Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has been delivering the DofE for four years. In that time, more than 60 of its young people have achieved a DofE award after volunteering in their community, learning a skill, getting fit and going on an expedition.
Participation continues to grow, with another group of 55 students currently working towards their awards from across the Trust.
The award is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people.
Angus Urquhart, DofE lead at BSCS, attended the presentation. Speaking proudly about their involvement with the DofE, Angus said:
“Led by the Olympus Academy Trust, BSCS has held a licence to deliver the DofE for three years and I feel honoured to have been invited to Buckingham Palace to receive a commemorative plaque to acknowledge and say thank you for our work with the charity during its diamond anniversary year. Our young people are encouraged to push themselves outside of their comfort zones when doing their DofE and the skills that they develop can be life-changing, so for us to be involved is something very special.”
Photos (l-r): 1 OAT executive headteacher Dave Baker, TV presenter Julia Bradbury and Angus Urquhart. 2 Director of BSCS post-16 Tom Hill, Dave Baker and Angus Urquhart outside Buckingham Palace.
