CONCORD COLLEGE

Sixth form student Anders is one of just 30 young people in the UK chosen to be a Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) Ambassador. Anders, from Hong Kong, has been at Concord since Form 3 (y9) and is one of over 460 international boarders at the college. He is currently completing his Gold award and was selected by the national Duke of Edinburgh Award team to take on this special role.

Anders chose to apply because he wanted to share his experience and to encourage other young people to join DofE. He said:

“My experience allowed me to grow as a person. The process of doing DofE has left me eager to inspire and encourage more people to take part and to give back to DofE and the community.”

“The DofE award has been an integral part of my characterbuilding since starting my Bronze level in Form 3. One of my highlights is the opportunity it has given me to explore what I can be capable of and things I never thought I would achieve. For instance, in my Bronze ‘physical’ section, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed horse riding and the journeys through picturesque fields and country lanes in the summer.

As an Ambassador, Anders was invited to the launch of the Heart of Arabia expedition at the Royal Geographical Society. He had the opportunity to interview Mark Evans MBE, the leader of the expedition. Mark provided Anders with some valuable explorer’s advice:

“Never be afraid to seek help and guidance from those more experienced than yourself”.

Anders says that his interaction with the explorer left him feeling inspired and determined. “My new bucket list goals are to explore the Yukon region of Canada and to see the northern lights”.

Concord’s Principal, Dr Michael Truss, commented:

“It is a wonderful achievement to be selected as a national DofE Ambassador. Anders has a genuine enthusiasm for DofE and what it can do for young people. I am delighted that he has been recognised and that his voice will be part of the conversation helping to make DofE even better for a wide range of participants in future.”