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    Even in Lockdown Pupils Complete Duke of Edinburgh Awards

    Pupils' participation includes an impressive 2405 hours of voluntary service to the local community.

    Some DofE highlights from academic year 2019-2020.

    Eighty-eight pupils completed their Duke of Edinburgh awards during the academic year 2019-20, despite the first Covid-19 lockdown and ongoing restrictions during the pandemic. Their participation included an impressive 2405 hours of voluntary service to the local community.

    Although many traditional activities are currently off limits, our Duke of Edinburgh's Award Manager Mr Tony Lucas has been working hard to support pupils to find new activities to replace their original plans. Under the #DofEwithadifference requirements, for the Volunteering element of the award, our pupils have cooked dinners for their family, helped out with gardening, supported community projects online and shopped for elderly relatives.

    A good example of creative volunteering comes from Fourth Formers Lloyd and Archie, who have recently completed their Silver Award. They have been working together online, from home, for Cambridge Talking News - a charity that provides weekly news and information recordings for blind and partially sighted people.

    Archie says: “Our project involves planning and designing wireframes for a website that we are building for Cambridge Talking News. We don't have to leave the house to do it, so it is more efficient, and we can get more done.”

    Lloyd adds: “Of all of the DofE sections (volunteering, physical, skills, and expedition) we have enjoyed volunteering the most. Working together makes it fun and we have gained confidence in web design, which is very useful.”

    This academic year (2020-21) has seen a significant increase in DofE participation, with a School record-breaking 73% of our Third Form signed up for Bronze. They are currently following a series of training presentations on iTunes U, covering topics such as expedition first aid, navigation, route planning and kit. Restrictions permitting, it is hoped that practice and assessment expeditions for all levels can go ahead later this year.

    Mr Lucas said: “Last year’s DofE Bronze Award cohort (who were all caught up in the first lockdown and the following restrictions) recorded the highest number of Awards achieved in Kimbolton School history, so progress can still be made even in these unusual times! Continuing DofE can provide vital focus and motivation to our pupils, and I am very proud of their continuing enthusiasm and commitment. Lloyd and Archie are an inspiration.”