Royal Wootton Bassett Academy (RWBA) recently played host to an evening filled with pride and achievement as students, alongside their proud parents, gathered to commemorate their dedication and hard work towards the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The event marked a significant milestone for the academy, with the largest turnout of students receiving certificates and badges in the award’s history.
Over 100 bronze badges were proudly awarded to deserving students, while 30 students stepped forward to collect their silver awards, and three were honoured with temporary gold badges. These exceptional achievers, upon completing their journey to gold, will receive an invitation to Buckingham Palace for a distinguished celebration, where they will receive their official medals.
Adding to the evening’s allure, Jo Bradshaw, an accomplished Everest Summiteer, Keynote Speaker, Expedition Leader, DofE Outdoor Instructor, and Leadership Coach, graced the occasion. Her story left students spellbound, inspired by her courage and resilience. Not only does Jo scale mountains, but she also dedicates her efforts to fundraising for Place2Be, the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity, while ambitiously pursuing the challenge of conquering the 7 summits.
Reflecting on the remarkable achievements of the students, Mrs. Barnard-Williams, Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Last year was full of so many ups, and I feel incredibly honoured to be awarding the students with their certificates, which is a celebration of those who have worked hard to achieve their bronze, silver, and gold awards.”
Mrs. Ellis, Headteacher at RWBA, echoed sentiments of pride and appreciation, emphasising the transformative impact of the Duke of Edinburgh Award on students’ confidence, resilience, and empowerment. She lauded the courage exhibited by students during their expeditions, acknowledging the dedication of staff who go above and beyond to support their endeavors.
“I am very thankful to the staff who dedicate their time and care to help students achieve these medals,” Mrs. Ellis remarked, extending special recognition to Mrs. Barnard-Williams for her pivotal role in nurturing the DofE program over the past 15 years. Under her stewardship, the academy has witnessed unprecedented enrollment in the Duke of Edinburgh Award cohort, signifying a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to providing enriching opportunities for its students.
As the evening concluded, amidst smiles and applause, one sentiment resonated deeply – a collective pride in the students’ accomplishments and a shared commitment to fostering their continued growth and success.
