9th November 2018
South Devon College is pleased to announce reaching the milestone of 100 students enrolled for this year’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme.
Group of South Devon College DofE students during a March 2018 coastal path expedition
The news follows on from what’s already been a monumental year for the College’s partnership with the DofE. In March 2018 the College celebrated the ten year anniversary of the programmes creation, with many young people throughout the years achieving an award through volunteering in their community, learning a skill, getting fit, going on an expedition and taking part in a week-long residential.
The College’s programme now boasts a wide variety of students representing several course areas with students from Public Services, Learning Opportunities, and many more enjoying the benefits of the extra curriculum activities.
Amongst the current group of keen students is Rachael Laurence (20 from Paignton), whose outstanding commitment and contribution was recently recognised at the Further Education Awards Ceremony 2018. A ‘Courses 2 Careers’ student at the College, Rachael’s award highlighted her great participation during the DofE Bronze award, with Rachael’s own leadership skills benefiting vastly as a result of her joining.
Courses 2 Careers student Rachael Laurence with her award
Like many DofE students across the UK, Rachael’s participation was widely due to funding from the Diamond Fund, with a total of £3 million to be invested into the DofE over the next four years, helping to rapidly increase the number of disadvantaged young people aiming to start their DofE experience. Established back in March of this year, through South Devon College’s existing DofE programme, more young people in South Devon will be provided the platform to develop life-changing skills such as communication, resilience and teamwork.
There are currently around 420,000 young people enrolled on DofE programmes around the UK, however with each programme there’s a growing need for volunteers to lead groups and help on expedition programmes. Full training can be provided through courses with volunteers offered the chance to gain qualifications in first aid and expeditions at the same time.
To find out more about joining the DofE and how it enables young people to succeed, please visit DofE.org or contact Rich Blagden, DofE Co-ordintaor at [email protected]
For more information about this story please contact Guy Marsden, Marketing & Communications Officer at [email protected] or on 01803 540563.