Former Barrow Hall College students Heather, Issy and Katie recently celebrated a remarkable achievement after successfully completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award and attending a special celebration event at Buckingham Palace Gardens.

 

The prestigious event recognised young people from across the country who achieved the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Heather, Issy and Katie completed their Gold Awards during their time at Barrow Hall College in 2024, demonstrating exceptional commitment, resilience and determination.

 

The Gold DofE Award is the highest level of the nationally recognised programme and requires participants to complete five challenging sections: volunteering, physical activity, skills development, an expedition and a residential experience. Participants spend many months developing new skills, supporting their communities and challenging themselves outside their comfort zones. The Gold expedition involves a four-day, three-night self-sufficient journey, while the residential section requires participants to spend five days and four nights away from home working with people they have not previously met.

 

The Buckingham Palace celebration featured speeches from former England goalkeeper David Seaman MBE, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes and HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh. Guests also enjoyed live music, activities and a traditional afternoon tea within the Palace gardens.

 

The event provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication shown by Heather, Issy and Katie throughout their DofE journeys and to recognise the valuable skills they developed along the way, including leadership, teamwork, communication and independence.

 

For Mrs Hanson, who supported the students throughout their Gold DofE journey, the celebration was especially meaningful. Heather, Issy and Katie were the first Gold Duke of Edinburgh group she led, and seeing them recognised at Buckingham Palace was a fitting reward for the hard work, commitment and perseverance they demonstrated throughout the programme.

 

At Barrow Hall College, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered as an enrichment opportunity for students, allowing them to develop confidence, gain valuable life experiences and enhance their future university and career applications.

 

Everyone at Barrow Hall College is incredibly proud of Heather, Issy and Katie for this outstanding achievement and wishes them every success in the future.

 

DofE Gold