Tag Archives: dofe

News

School DofE figures surge in tandem with record-breaking year for youth organisation

THE number of children signing up to the Duke Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award at a leading school has risen in tandem with national figures.

Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay has enjoyed a surge in pupils beginning the youth scheme over the last 12 months, with more than 100 taking on the Bronze and Silver categories.

Teacher Sam Hawkins – who leads on DofE provision at the school – has plans to introduce the Gold standard from next September and hopes even more learners from across different year groups will get involved.

It comes as the DofE revealed more than 320,000 participants started their Award journey in 2022/23, the highest number in its 67-year history and a huge 10% increase.

The charity aims to reach one million young people by 2026, and Sam said Ysgol Eirias is proud to play its part.

“The school has seen a significant rise in pupils looking to partake in extra-curricular activities, notably the DofE awards scheme,” he said.

“They and their families recognise the value it can have in the future, towards their chosen career, applying to university and for their CVs, given the commitment to completing an expedition, volunteering and the physical and skills aspect outside of school hours.

“Since the pandemic we’ve seen more interest, with an initial 40 completing Bronze last year, and now Silver, and that is reflected in the huge number of people across the UK joining the scheme.

“Our progress has followed national progress, which has been really heartening and looks set to continue.”

Each student will contribute an average of 11 hours of voluntary work in the community, from litter picking to sports coaching, supporting vulnerable family and neighbours, and more.

“Our aim is for the vast majority of pupils to take part in the DofE scheme in the future, given the impact and achievement involved,” Sam added.

“It shows independence, brings together administrative and transferable skills, and shows that the participant is willing to go the extra mile, a big USP for potential employers.

“And the expedition enables them to demonstrate teamwork, navigation and map reading skills, first aid and other factors that can play a part in everyday life – it is an amazing foundation for them.”

Ysgol Eirias has introduced designated weeks where Areas of Learning and Experience can host innovative activities and events to encourage learning and mindfulness outside of school hours.

Led by Assistant Headteacher Alex Metcalfe, the sessions are held on-site in addition to schemes like the DofE, where learners give their own time at home or locally.

For more information on extra-curricular activities at Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow the new social media channel at @experienceeirias.

Visit www.dofe.org for more news and information on the DofE.

News

Top award for Army veteran who led DofE boom at North Wales college

AN ARMY veteran turned college lecturer received a national accolade for his services to education and inclusivity.

Alan Lowry, a Sports and Public Services tutor and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator at Coleg Cambria – based in Wrexham, Deeside, Llysfasi and Northop – received a bronze medal in the Leavers to Leader category at the Welsh Veterans Awards.

Nominated by colleagues, Alan was praised for his for his military and academic careers having joined the Army as a Junior Leader with the Royal Welch Fusiliers in 1975.

He served all over the world – including Germany, Bosnia, Canada, and Kenya – rising to the rank of Warrant Officer before retiring in 1999.

His great passion became helping young people to become the best they can be physically and mentally, whatever their background, a trait which led to Cambria’s DofE provision becoming one of the best in the country, attracting 20 times more participants than it had before his arrival.

“I am honoured and quite taken aback to receive this bronze award,” said Alan.

“Thank you to the college and to the many people who have supported my career, from the military to education and in my 33 years as a DofE coordinator.”

He added: “The DofE has grown and grown here at Coleg Cambria, and there are far more girls joining us year on year, which is fantastic to see.

“It’s very different to when I started but the ethos is the same, encouraging young people to get outdoors and learn new skills, giving back to the community and working as a team.

“These are skills that have served me well over the years, so I’m happy to be able to give back to others and once again would like to say thank you for this award.”

In a statement by Coleg Cambria, Alan was praised for his work in bringing Uniformed Public Services to the institution two decades ago.

“Alan has educated hundreds of students who have progressed their careers in the Uniformed Public Services. His classroom is an experience in itself as it transports you into the world of the Armed Forces and is a place where students love to learn.

“His involvement in the DofE saw the college attract 20 times more participants than it had previously. He an ambassador for the scheme and believes its resurgence reflects the college’s culture of health, fitness, and wellbeing.

“Alan was also a charity champion at the college and does so much to help others, raising thousands of pounds along the way.

“He encourages young people to get outdoors and learn new skills, give back to the community and work as a team. He leads the way and shows them how to do these things – that’s what sets Alan apart and why he is so deserving of this award.”

Visit www.veteransawards.co.uk for more information on the Veterans Awards.

For more news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.