Warminster School pupils Gold Awards at St James’ Palace

  • 11 years ago
  • News
  • 1

Three of our former students have recently visited St James’ Palace to receive their highly prized Duke of WarminsterEdinburgh Award Gold Certificates, presented by the Earl of Wessex.

The Gold Awards are the result of a minimum of eighteen months’ worth of commitment to voluntary work and to sport, plus two gruelling expeditions and a five-day residential course. Cassandra Allan, Ashley McMahon and William Passfield are to be congratulated on their achievements.

waminster school cassie duke of edingbrughCassandra Allen described her experiences for us: ‘Let me start by saying “Well, wasn't that an experience?”. Of course it was an experience of both highs and lows but I'd like to think I've developed more as a person during my time undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

I'll let you in on my most amazing memories which turned out to be lessons; lessons which are a part of who I am today.

I'm going to start with my shoe falling off whilst walking in Dartmoor during my practice expedition and I'm not just talking about a regular lace unravelling or a buckle breaking, I'm describing how my whole sole fell off and how we had to use duct tape from a local farm to fix it. Now that is one life lesson I have learnt: always carry duct tape.

The feeling of being able to achieve something you never thought you could, stretching yourself, the sight of the school minibus at the end of the expedition, being with your friends in somewhere you can never imagine anyone else has been, teamwork, helping others, being chased by an angry cow, how to appreciate others, facing challenging situations, making decisions and building confidence in yourself and others – these are all skills that I have learnt.

I went from the Bronze Award which I started as a Year 10 straight to Gold completing it in Year 13. Everything that I did involved the School which I thought was important.

The school project in Ecuador was included as my Residential (Sixth Form Expedition July 2010). Finally, long after completion, on the 15th January 2013, Ashley and I went up to St James Palace to receive our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards.

It was an amazing end to the whole experience and I urge all those who are undertaking the Award not to drop out but to persevere as you'll only get out what you are willing to put in.

To any student who is reading this and has the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Gold level. Do it. Take the whole experience with both hands; you certainly won't regret it.’

Warminster School duke of edingbrughAshley McMahon agrees, ‘I could tell you about the Duke of Edinburgh award, about how you can get yourself involved, both as a participant and volunteer but I'd much rather tell you how much I've enjoyed and benefitted from the scheme.

I first started my Bronze level and then worked my way up to completing the Gold award all through Warminster School. The School provided everything I needed for the completion of my Gold Award, and we were led by Mrs Nurdin, the Deputy Head of Sixth form.

Even from Year 10 she provided us with training, staff, transport and her time throughout the years. Many members of Warminster staff got involved, helping us in our DofE sections, with the expeditions and with residential trips too.

After 18 months of volunteering, 12 months of extra-curricular sport, 12 months of learning and developing new skills as well as the week long Residential with the army and of course the five-day expedition in the Brecon Beacons (not forgetting all the training days and first aid courses)

I finally got to submit and complete my award and received an invite to head to St. James' Palace to receive my award in the presence of the Earl of Wessex.

The day was incredible, seeing such esteemed and well-respected guests, hearing their stories as well as the many great tales from other award holders. All in all the day was such a memorable one, and I'll remember that day for many years to come.’  

Compare listings

Compare