Celebrations as Duke of Edinburgh's Awards given

Young people complete a program of activities to receive certificates

30 students received their bronze or silver awards in Hunstanton.

“Duke of Edinburgh’s is really important,” Alysha Moat says, who's the Assistant Head at Smithdon High, adding, “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.”

To get the awards the pupils have to take part in activities like volunteering and expeditions.

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

All images Ian Burt