Culture, Education | Posted on July 9th, 2024 | return to news
QE School students go to Buckingham Palace
Thomas Ayling and Jack Lusty from QE School in Wimborne have received the gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Buckingham Palace.
Two Year 13 students at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne have attended a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Thomas Ayling and Jack Lusty were awarded the gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and to achieve this they had to complete five sets of challenges. These were: 12 months of volunteering; 12 months of developing new skills; six months of physical exercise; a four-day and three-night expedition in the country and a five-day and four-night residential trip with people they did not know.
At the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, they heard talks from prominent figures such as actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe, TV chef Matt Tebbutt, Gladiators’ Jodie Ounsley and Peter Lord, co-founder of Aardman Studios.
Thomas Ayling said: “This award has helped me develop so many skills and has given me the opportunities to work with lots of different people in different situations.
“It has helped me enhance my problem-solving skills especially during the expeditions as you are always being faced with new problems which you have to overcome and adapt to.
“One of the toughest parts was probably walking for four days in the 30+ degree heat with my backpack, but it’s all about overcoming problems with your team.
“I have gained valuable experience from all the different circumstances I have encountered, and this has helped prepare me for my future such as working with people who I didn’t know which will be helpful for university.
“It’s a fantastic way to try new things, make new friends and develop skills for the future. I found it a really rewarding experience and one I will look back on very fondly.”
Alex Priest, the teacher responsible for the awards at QE School – which is part of Initio LearningTrust – said: “Thomas and Jack’s journey to Gold has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“They have demonstrated unwavering commitment by first completing both the bronze (certificate of achievement due to Covid restrictions) and silver awards prior to undertaking the challenge of gold.
“I wholeheartedly encourage all students who have yet to embark on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey to consider enrolling.
“This programme offers a transformative experience that not only hones essential life skills but also opens doors to future opportunities. Let’s all strive to reach new heights and unlock our full potential.”
Brian Boyes, interim headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School, said: “Thomas and Jack have shown immense dedication to invest significant time and effort in developing new skills, engaging in physical activities and volunteering within their communities.
“Their success is a testament to their hard work and resilience and is a noteworthy milestone that will undoubtedly enhance their future university and job applications. Congratulations to them both.”
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
