News Gold Stars! 14.09.2018

Students from Collyer’s have successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition. The group of 20 travelled over 40 miles through the mountains of the Brecon Beacons, with students tackling southern Britain’s highest peak, Pen Y Fan, and a circular route, which took in some of the remotest areas of South Wales. All of the teams travelled independently, staying in wild campsites with only the most basic of facilities.

James Gordon, Head of Faculty for Business, Sport and Social Sciences said: “Completing this arduous challenge is without doubt a phenomenal achievement. The incredibly hot conditions made this a truly challenging expedition, requiring technical discipline, people skills and utter determination. To be absolutely honest, it was a case of these brilliant young people achieving almost the impossible. Well done to everyone involved!”

Group 1 comprised: Beth Budgen, Ayla Komezec, Harry Sale, Amy Mallows, Will Woolnough; Joel Boyd and Harry Carter. Group 2: Josh Barnett, Kieran Minihane, Connor Heathcote, George Makin; Darby Lyons, Klara Dowds and Hannah Gower. With group 3 featuring: Lucy Barr, Kathryn Rasanayagam, Isabelle Baines, Abigail Young; Sophie Ansell and Lily Hadfield.

Assistant Principal Andrea John said: “I’m particularly impressed with how these students managed to balance a demanding college life, part time work and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Inspiring stuff!”

Students at Collyer’s can complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award as part of the enrichment activities that are offered to all students. Collyer’s programme supports participants through the 5 sections of the award: Physical, Service, Skills, Residential and the Expedition.