Duke of Edinburgh Award
A resounding well done to all the students who gained their Duke of Edinburgh awards this year. Bronze achievers
Richard Acheampong Seun Afariogun Kesi Allen Siwinho Cameron Silver achievers
Renee Bradbury Nezere Parkin Okorite Amachree Marko Nonkovic Michal Wensierski Joseph Simeon Max Mellor Zohir Foukroun Sheku Dumbuya Sheila Genc Yeliz Sonat Sara Fulton Winnie Simeon Shamyer Howe
Tyreece Coleman-Paul Shenelagh Deacon Jessica Dedgjonaj Montel Fagan-Jordan Ebenezer Fasoranti Kellise Fenton-Williams Liam Lawrence Fahima Khatun Jackie Le Tamari-Lee Ledgister Halima Miah Karim Ming Sahin Ocakkuran Giovanna Oliveira Shabazz Patterson Karlisa Rees Sade Russell Garcia Sterling Jordane Vassell
Ready to r o f p u n g i s ? r a e y t x e n
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GCA
Issue 11
The awards comprise four elements. Young people must do some voluntary work, engage in a physical activity and develop a skill. To round all this off they go on a three-day expedition, camping and carrying all their gear.
Kesi gained her bronze award against the odds ‘I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. I volunteered in my Girls Brigade, supporting younger girls. For the physical activity I took up badminton and for the skills section I provided evidence of my guitar practice – I’ve been playing since I was in Year 6. The expedition was the most difficult element. First we went on a practice expedition and I was just so tired and weak, feeling sick at times. But it wasn’t just that the hiking was hard – I found out some weeks later that I have Type 1 diabetes. ‘I was a bit hesitant about carrying on but my mum, dad and friends encouraged me to keep going so I decided I’d definitely do the final expedition in the New Forest. I was determined not to be Kesi last in the hikes and so was pleased to come second in both of them. I’m keen to move on to my silver award.’
‘Kesi’s achievement was fantastic. She has dealt with the demands of the award and her diagnosis of diabetes with composure and maturity.’ Ms Frewin