Teamwork, Tents and Tenacity

At RGS Worcester, every pupil is provided with the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme from Year Nine. Designed to promote independence, teamwork and resilience, the DofE Awards are widely recognised by Universities and employers as a valuable indicator of all-round personal development. The scheme also helps to instil qualities such as self-reliance, commitment and perseverance.

Recently, over a hundred pupils put their regular training to the test during a set of Bronze Award practice expeditions based between Hanley Swan and Powick. Despite an ominous weather forecast, conditions held steady and pupils demonstrated excellent levels of enthusiasm, awareness and navigational skill throughout the weekend. On arrival at the campsite, tents were pitched (with varying degrees of success!) and many well-earned meals were enthusiastically enjoyed. It was, by all accounts, a positive and memorable experience, offering valuable lessons in both teamwork and independence.

My thanks to the staff who accompanied the pupils and to the pupils for entering into the spirit of the expeditions and working well together.

At the other end of the DofE Award journey, the first group of our Upper Sixth students collected their Gold Awards from a member of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace this afternoon. More students will be booked in to visit the Palace in the weeks ahead. Congratulations to them and we hope this will inspire other pupils to complete the Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Awards.

Mr Gary Leeds, Head of Football and Outdoor Pursuits Co‑ordinator