Varndean School held their The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award celebration evening last night. it was great to get everyone together to celebrate the achievements, and there was a lot to celebrate!

Students were presented with their awards by Peter Field, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex. The event was hosted by two silver recipients Dan and Gussie. Jane Hallet, MFL teacher at Varndean School reflected on what completing bronze, silver and gold meant to her and Nina, Maisie, Hamish and Poppy spoke of their experiences.

Awards were presented to 146 Bronze & Silver achievers with their parents and supporters there to help them celebrate.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s award has 4 sections:Skill, Physical, Volunteering and Expedition, during the evening Alison Browning, D of E Manager at Varndean reflected on the different things students had done to complete their awards.

 “Within the skill section  students had learnt to cook, play an instrument, got creative in art or textiles, developed gardening skills, learnt python programming and to unicycle.For many this is a continuation of something they were already doing, for others it may have started a new interest.

 Within the physical section students played a huge variety of sports, went skateboarding, did archery, climbing, yoga, dance and keep fit. The list goes on.

 The volunteering section is the area we are always most blown away by. The assessor’s reports for some students are amazing. We seem to keep the many Park runs across the city going. With many students continuing long after the required time. The same is true of those helping in our primary schools and charity shops. Many students have developed their leadership skills in sport, youth groups. Our library has been kept tidy and organised by the students who volunteer there.”

 Students were reminded that their achievement will make them stand out from the crowd and that the skills they have gained will equip them for their future.

 To make any of this achievable we have an amazing support group made up of staff and volunteers without whom none of this would be possible. Their contribution was acknowledged and they were thanked.