School life: Duke of Edinburgh success and the trip of a lifetime around Asia

On 28 November, the Mayor and Mayoress of Halifax presented Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards to Ryburn students during a ceremony at the Town Hall. In order to earn a Bronze Award, the students had to undertake activities in four areas: volunteering, physical, skills and an expedition. This adds up to around 50 hours of activities which are undertaken independently and in their own time.

(L-R) Zoe Wolstonholme, Jasmine Lomas, Lauren McElhone, Anya Wasilewski and Charlotte Beeden, on their DofE expedition

The final area of the challenge is the expedition; a two day one night outdoor journey on foot in which the students are unaccompanied and have rely completely on themselves and their team. This year’s adventure was organised with Halifax adventure sports company CI Adventures.

37 students from Ryburn have now completed their Bronze DofE Award, and over 20 are intent on completing the more challenging Silver Award.

A group of students are well underway with preparations for the trip of a lifetime to Vietnam and Cambodia. In October they spent three days at the Dalesbridge Outdoor Centre learning trekking skills such as camping, navigation and first aid. Trip leader Nick Evans said “I’m so proud of how the students approached the expedition, showing leadership, great teamwork and resilience.”

The 21 students, from Years 11 and 12, will spend 4 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia in July 2017. As well as challenging treks, they will spend time volunteering with charity Better Lives who help disadvantaged children.