On Wednesday 29 June 2016, on the penultimate day of term, all students at Gordonstoun undertook a DofE Diamond Challenge, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the DofE Award, which has its origins at Gordonstoun.
Each student, aged 7 to 18 will opted to walk a designated route back to the school of varying levels of difficulty; Gold route 18 miles, Silver route, 10 miles or Bronze route, 5 miles. Students were given the option to theme their Challenge in keeping with an aspect of the DofE, for example a skill or service.
The day ended with an anniversary celebration back at Gordonstoun for the whole school community on the South Lawn.
Gordonstoun Principal, Simon Reid said; “Given our historic association and shared principles with the DofE Award we were keen to mark the Diamond Anniversary in a meaningful way. We felt that a whole school Diamond Challenge would be the most effective way of doing this and our staff and students are looking forward to raising as much funds for the DofE as possible. This was a special and unique occasion for the school and I am sure that the memory of the day will live long in the minds of those who took part.”
Barry Fisher, Director DofE Scotland said; “I am delighted that all the pupils at Gordonstoun took part in the DofE Diamond Challenge. All of the valuable funds they have raised will be used to support young people from diverse backgrounds to take part in this life-changing Award programme. I congratulate everyone who took part in such a memorable day.”