Gold Award Success for Tom and Steffan

Two Upper Sixth form pupils are celebrating after achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, while also studying for their A-Level exams.

Steffan Robbins and Tom Warrington began the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award 18 months ago. To earn their Award, the boys were required to complete a personal programme of activities in five sections (Volunteering, Physical, Skill, Expedition and Residential).

To complete the sections, they have been busy coaching kayaking, improving their water polo skills and levels of fitness, working in the Outdoor Education store as well as completing a four day expedition in the mountains of Snowdonia where they observed changes in team dynamics. The boys also attended an Engineering HeadStart Course at Birmingham University and a Comenius Project which aimed to identify and repot on how teenagers lives differ around Europe. Between them they also found time to pass a Grade 5 piano exam, a theory and practical driving test as well as studying for their A-Levels!

Tom and Steffan were presented with their Gold Award pins during School Assembly; however they will also be awarded formally at a ceremony at St James’ Palace, London in the summer.

Following their achievement, Ben Proudlove, Outdoor Education Coordinator and primary manager of the Rydal Penrhos Duke of Edinburgh Operating Authority said, “Well done to both Tom and Steffan for their achievement. They demonstrate what can be achieved through a ‘can do’ attitude and most importantly perseverance.”

Rydal Penrhos School has a long running history of Outdoor Education, thanks in part to the School’s location close to the Snowdonia National Park, as well as its walking distance from the sea. The Duke of Edinburgh programme is popular with pupils who can work towards the Bronze, Silver and Gold Award while also improving fitness, developing skills and helping the community.

Find out more about the Outdoor Education programme at Rydal Penrhos