D of E Gold Award winners

A total of ten 6th formers at King's have just received the news that they've been successful in obtaining their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. The ten were presented with their gold badges, brooches and pins by the headmaster at school assembly.

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme was set up in order to promote personal and social development in young people. It was designed to give them the opportunity at bronze, silver and gold levels to gain recognition and accreditation for their achievements in four different areas of activity – service to the community, developing a skill, physical recreation, and taking part in an expedition.

The King's pupils were out on Dartmoor in atrocious conditions last summer, and had to plan a route covering a minimum of 80km, avoiding main roads and natural hazards such as rivers and ravines. They had to organise enough food for four days, and carry this along with all their other equipment for three nights under canvas, without outside help.

Megan McKegney said “It was an experience we’ll never forget. The terrain we walked through and camped in was really beautiful, but also quite intimidating at times. There was an extraordinary feeling of elation amongst all of us once we finished.”

Next they'll be travelling up to one of the Royal Palaces in London later this year to be presented with the awards themselves by a member of the Royal Family.