To achieve a gold award, pupils must volunteer for twelve months as well as undertake a physical activity and learn a new skill. One of these must be done for twelve months and the other for six months, and they must be completed for one hour per week. Further to this, pupils must undertake a 4-day long expedition and a residential of their choice for five days. Congratulations to the following ONs who have successfully completed the gold award and, who attended Buckingham Palace in May in recognition of this.



Alexandra Ackerman; Edward Bayes; Elizabeth Collinson; Isabel Cutts; Jonathan Elkins; Gabriella Elwell; Luke Fox; Abigail Hill; Chloe Loveland; Ellie McKay; Joshua Means; Mustafa Mohammed; Frederick Paterson; Akshay Pissay; Freya Sarson; Harry Vincent; Emily White.

As well as being an enjoyable experience, undertaking a Duke of Edinburgh award gives young people important life skills and can have a positive impact on their future. For example, one ON, Ellie McKay (16-21) said she took part in an archaeology dig in North Norfolk and enjoyed it so much she in now studying Ancient History and Archaeology at Durham University.

ON Emily White (15-22) kindly wrote the following report about her trip to Buckingham Palace on 15th May to celebrate her Gold Award.

“Upon the receipt of formal invitations and admittance cards, my expedition group of 5 arranged travel to London and, of course, a group rendezvous. At 10am, we entered through the front gates and then the garden entrance itself, along a processional pathway towards the West Terrace overlooking the expansive gardens. We were welcomed in by the British Army Band Tidworth, who also accompanied the coronation procession. Throughout the gardens, there were a series of satellite stages, where we heard from inspirational public figures who gave short talks and held Q&A sessions. These guests included Rav Wilding, Hugo and Ross Turner, Ade Adepitan MBE, Alice Beer, Kirstie Allsopp and Jon Culshaw. Norwich School Award holders found the talk by the Turner twins to be especially interesting – relating to the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award - in expeditions which push the boundaries of new technology and science.

We also had the chance to explore Buckingham Palace gardens, with access to a map and descriptions of areas of interest, such as The Lake, established in 1827, and the Chamomile Lawn. Central to the event, however, were the speeches from the West Terrace, to reflect on all that we have accomplished. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, congratulated Award holders on all five sections of the Gold Award; physical, skills, volunteering, a 5 day residential and 4 day expedition, and recognised the passion and resilience necessary for the completion of this. We also heard from Jermaine Jenas, and Ffion Davies, a 19-year-old Gold Award holder and on-call firefighter for South Wales Fire and Rescue Services, who spoke of completing her DofE in spite of several obstacles, inspiring her to embrace as many opportunities as possible and trust her capabilities. After the speeches from the West Terrace, the Norwich School group reminisced over the expedition section of the Award and had photos taken together which was a lovely way to conclude the morning of celebrations. In light of the event, the Award holders are not only proud of their accomplishments, but also keen to stay in touch with the DofE charity to help inspire the next generation of young people interested in the Award.”

Photograph of ON Ellie McKay (16-21) with her certificate.