There were celebrations at a WNAT school as this year’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze scheme participants received their certificates.

Smithdon High School saw 20 Year 9 students complete their Bronze DofE projects, while 10 students in Year 10 achieved Silver.

“Nineteen Bronze participants attended the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze Participant Project Presentation Evening with their family and parents,” said Alysha Moat, who is Assistant Head of Years 7 and 8 at the school, as well as DofE Manager.

“They had to present a project they had produced on their expeditions  – they made these as teams. Once they had completed the section, they received their certificates.”

“Those who had completed sections, received sectional certificates for volunteer, physical, and skills sections,” she continued. “Those that completed all of these were awarded their Bronze Certificate and Badge.”

Ms Moat and Deputy Headteacher Sarah Robinson were on hand to present the awards at the evening, where the students were also able to display their DofE project work to their families and friends, who had the opportunity to ask questions about the expeditions undertaken.

The annual ceremony takes place every July at Smithdon, which is based in Hunstanton.

“Events like these are really important to develop and celebrate soft skills the students develop that can’t be awarded in GCSE certificates,” continued Ms Moat.

“They include self-belief and self-confidence; a sense of identity; initiative and a sense of responsibility; a real awareness of their strengths; new talents and abilities; the ability to plan and use time effectively; learning from and giving to others in the community; forming new friendships; problem-solving, presentation, and communication skills; and leadership and teamworking skills.”

“Duke of Edinburgh’s is really important at Smithdon,” she added. “It makes memories beyond the classroom, and lifetime friendships and life lessons for students.

“It allows them to build positive and trusting relationships with other students and staff in a different environment. It also helps student and staff wellbeing, increasing life satisfaction, decreasing anxiety, increasing happiness and worthwhileness, all contributing positively to resilience.”