Whitgift: Fantastic programme

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme goes from strength to strength at John Whitgift Academy.

In 2021/22, 13 students registered to take part. All put in a huge amount of effort under the guidance of the DofE Manager Matthew McLaughlin.

Eight of the students have been awarded their bronze certificate and registered for silver, with their expedition due to take place this month at Bramhope, Leeds.

Matthew has stood down as manager due to his promotion to Head of Science but continues as a DofE leader.

For 2022/23, Paul Tuffnell took on the manager role. He said: “We have had tremendous support from the DofE and Delta Academies Trust.

With this and the continued support from Principal Rob Spendlow we have this year enrolled 43 students onto the programme and will be taking them on expedition in July. We hope to again engage and enrol as many Year 8 students for next year and continue to move forward. With the new additions of five more staff volunteers we are in a better place to deliver what is a fantastic national programme.”

Kingston Park: Jane’s award

Food hubs vital to families at Kingston Park Academy and run by its finance manager have won her a top award.

Jane Brettle was named the Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service’s ‘Cost of Living Volunteer of the Year’.

She has continued to run the weekly food hubs through the school holidays and recognition for her efforts came with the nomination from the Bassetlaw Food Insecurity Coordinator and Project Manager.

The award ceremony was held at Worksop Town Hall.

Head of Academy Kerrie Longley said: “We are incredibly proud of Jane’s commitment to the opening and running the weekly food hub.

“Our families find the service a lifeline at this difficult time and we are all grateful that Jane willingly gives up her time even during the holidays to ensure that anyone who needs to access the service, can do so.