The statistical report on the number of Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) awards achieved by the 59 Licensed Organisations in Suffolk has now been published and it makes very good reading.
From 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 Framlingham College achieved an amazing 144 awards establishing it as the top School provider in the County by some margin. Nationally, Framlingham’s high success rate puts the school in the top 15 in the country – and in the top 5 on a per capita basis as most schools in the top 15 have twice, three and even four times the number of students.
Framlingham’s Awards Manager, Mr Martin Myers-Allen was quick to report that it is not so much about it being a competition, but a celebration of what the County can collectively achieve. Expanding on this, he said “1216 youngsters have been successful this year including 13 from Ormiston Endeavour Academy, a school that Framlingham College proudly supports. ”
Throughout the Country there are 1,114 active centres all working to ensure that DofE is accessible to as many young people as possible. 287,937 were undertaking a DofE programme in 2018/19 and the numbers have been steadily rising. The number of Volunteering hours put in is estimated to be 557,817 which is a huge, positive impact on the local communities.
Pupils in Year 9 and upwards are able to take part in DofE. Typically students work towards their Bronze Award in Years 9 and 10, the Silver Award in Year 11 and the Gold Award during the Sixth Form. Participants must select and complete objectives in the following areas: Volunteering, Physical Activity, Skill Activity, Expedition and Residential (Gold Award participants only).
Framlingham College Headmaster, Paul Taylor, said ‘The DofE programme is hugely valued here and indeed creates the framework for much of our extensive co-curricular programme. Much is spoken these days about the need for boys and girls to develop resilience and confidence, and the DofE programme has been doing that for years. We are very proud of the inclusive culture here that encourages pupils to engage with the scheme and stretch and challenge themselves in ways that help them develop those personal qualities that will serve them so well in adult life’.
