Academy students earn their Duke of Edinburgh bronze awards

PUPILS at Staindrop Academy have earned a prestigious award after going the extra mile and learning new skills.

Bronwyn Davis and Gracie Smyth were presented with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards last week.

The year ten pupils undertook a range of activities to qualify for the bronze award which covered four sections – skills, volunteering, physical activity and expeditions.

Gracie said: “I went to the gym so many times a week and for the volunteering part I helped out with the guides and brownies at St Helen Auckland.

“I did it because I thought it would look good on my CV and for future reference.”

Bronwyn said: “I have enjoyed doing it. It was good. We met lots of new people too.”

Bronwyn and Gracie had to camp overnight on an expedition through Swaledale. The pair are now gearing up for the silver award. Meanwhile some of the school’s year nine pupils have signed up to start the scheme.

The award scheme is being led by youth worker Wayne Collins at the TCR Hub in Barnard Castle. 

It is giving pupils at both Staindrop Academy and Teesdale School the opportunity to get involved. 

TCR Hub manager Rachel Tweddle, who is helping to deliver the scheme, said: “It is quite a prestigious award that colleges, universities and employers still accept.

"It shows they are willing to spend their own time on something other than getting a GCSE. The usual feedback is that it is fun and it helps to build confidence.”