Thanks largely to funding from King’s Lynn and Hunstanton Golf Club, the West Norfolk Duke of Edinburgh Charity donated £2,000 to the school, which was used to buy 15 Berghaus Grampian three-person tents for use by students taking part in the award scheme.

“At Springwood High School, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered to students at all levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold,” explained Lucy Edwards, who is our DofE Co-Manager, alongside Ciera McKenzie.

“The award is an extra-curricular programme for young people aged between 14 and 24, which aims to inspire young people to reach their full potential. The Bronze and Silver Awards involve students completing four sections: Volunteering; Physical; Skills; and Expedition. The Gold Award has an additional section: Residential.”

Open to students from Years 9 to 11, the programme has been running for 14 years at our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“I did my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with Springwood as a student myself, and, when starting here as a teacher, I knew I wanted to be involved in supporting the running of the award, as I know what a life-changing difference it can make,” continued Miss Edwards.

“Ciera and I have been involved in supporting the DofE programme at Springwood since 2021 and have now been DofE Managers for two years.”

“Outside of work, hill walking, international trekking, mountaineering, bouldering, and rock climbing are a big part of my life – I love it,” said Miss McKenzie. “I want to be able to share my passion for these with the students, getting them off their phones and out into the wilderness.”

The message seems to be getting across, with a record number of 133 students enrolling onto the scheme at Springwood this year.

“The DofE programme can be life changing for students in both the skills they develop and the memories they make, in particular during the expedition section,” added Miss Edwards.

“The DofE motto is ‘Youth Without Limits’, and we aim to make the award as accessible as possible to all students.

“We are extremely grateful for the funding we have received, as we are now able to accommodate more students on the expeditions, as our numbers are increasing each year.”