Walton’s first ever participants in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) scheme attended a celebration evening at the academy on Thursday, 4 April 2019 to collect their awards.

Walton set up the DofE programme last year and 27 girls took part. The programme has four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Students must do a minimum of three months activity for each of the first three sections, and plan, train for and undertake a two-day (1 night) expedition plus a practice expedition. This is hugely challenging and a lot of work for all participants.

At the celebration evening, the students were treated to pizza and a buffet before being presented with their awards by Chris Oakes from OAX Life Coaching and Vice Chair of Governors and DofE verifier, Nathan Smith.

Our next cohort of Year 9 students are now preparing for their expeditions which will take place in May and July 2019.