Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Ipswich, is delighted to announce its year 13 pupil, Lucy, has celebrated achieving her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award at Buckingham Palace Garden, hosted by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as Patron of the DofE charity.
Lucy, 18 years old, joined thousands of young people and their loved ones from across the UK for a festival-style celebration on Friday 10th May.
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 in schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces, all over the UK.
Buckingham Palace Garden had been transformed into a festival-style celebration for 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, such as broadcasters Vick Hope and Clive Myrie – both DofE Award holders themselves – astronaut Tim Peake and TV chef Matt Tebbutt. Attendees also had the chance to pick up career advice from actors, presenters, authors and campaigners, at stages throughout the garden.
Lucy recently completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award with a unique sailing expedition. Setting sail from Ipswich, Lucy and her team navigated to their furthest point in Ramsgate. For the volunteering segment of her award, Lucy contributed by playing in a band. She developed her skills through instrumental lessons on the oboe and fulfilled the physical activity requirement with swimming. For her residential component, Lucy attended the British Army Music Summer Academy, gaining insight into the Royal Corps of Army Music. One of the most significant challenges Lucy overcame was the combined practice and real expedition, which involved spending 10 days on a small boat with 6 other participants she had never met before. Despite the initial difficulties and moments of wanting to give up, Lucy and her team learned to support each other through honest communication, transforming the expedition into a rewarding experience.
Speaking on her experience Lucy said: “I decided to continue with DofE and take on Gold as I believed that it would be a once in a lifetime experience, and something that not everyone gets the opportunity to complete. I definitely gained perseverance skills from my expedition, and from my residential, I confirmed that my passion for music extends to military music, and will consider the Army as a career. My trip to the palace was very enjoyable, especially having free rain over the gardens and listening to Prince Edward speak to us.”
Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “The young people here today have achieved something exceptional, and it is wonderful to see them celebrating together, sharing their experiences and hearing their aspirations for the future. DofE is all about proving to yourself just what you are capable of, and the young people here today have shown the world that their potential is limitless. I can’t wait to see what they go on to do next.
“As a charity, we’re working hard to give as many young people as possible the chance to have a DofE experience and we’re delighted to announce that last year 330,948 young people started a DofE Award – another record-breaking year. This growth in participation shows just how much appetite there is amongst young people for enrichment and development opportunities beyond formal education and, together with our partners, we are determined to keep extending our reach until every young person has access to these types of life-changing experiences.”
Categories: Royal Hospital School School News
