17th October 2019

South Devon College’s Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme has had a record-breaking year, with 41 students achieving an award from the 2018/19 academic year.

We were delighted to celebrate with some of our achievers and their families at our DofE Awards Night at University Centre South Devon. After welcome refreshments, Duncan Kenny, director of Tide and project manager at the Seal Project, gave a fascinating and inspiring talk about marine conservation in and around Torbay. Assistant Principal, Liz Lawrence and Duncan then presented awards to over thirty students who proudly collected their certificates and badges in front of their families. Governor and Award Verifier Philip Gibson then asked for special recognition of Chelsea Taylor, who has become the second South Devon College student to achieve a Gold award, and will be awarded her certificate at one of the Royal Palaces in the near future.

Our students have taken part in a wide range of activities to complete their awards this year, from supporting the College’s Student Union and organising befriending events, to helping out at community cafes and National Trust volunteering. They have also worked hard to improve their fitness and developed skills; as well as challenging themselves to complete expeditions, often in difficult conditions. Their commitment to their awards has been incredible and we were proud and absolutely delighted to share their achievements with them.

The DofE team are looking forward to even higher levels of achievement next year, with an expansion to the programme which will allow us to run our first independent Gold group. Students wishing to participate in the programme can get involved by contacting Rich Blagden, Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager, at [email protected], or click here for more information.