Lockdown no barrier for Duke of Edinburgh success for Lancaster students

The college supports young adults with additional needs and has students participating in both bronze and gold DofE categories.

Seven students completed their residential section of the gold award back in February and should have since been out to walk and camp for their expeditions.

The Duke of Edinburgh award comprises three other sections, physical, skills and volunteering, and with help from staff at the college and other members of their families, the students have been able to adapt their activities to fulfil each section during lockdown.

For their volunteering goals, students have been tidying their gardens to improve the environment, baking cakes for local residents unable to get out and helping in their residential home with things including cooking meals and taking out rubbish on behalf of their peers.

For the physical section, students have been walking, cycling and dancing their way to keeping fit on a weekly basis. The motivation of the award has got people moving again. They are more independent and self-confident.

For the skill section, students have been working on their cooking, IT and document designs, developing their acting and directing ability, and their communications skills.

Harry Stafford, a gold participant at Beaumont College, is very keen to complete his Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Harry said: “At the beginning of the lockdown, I struggled a little bit to leave the house. Now I am walking to my allotment daily and enjoying the physical aspect of my Duke of Edinburgh Award.

“I have been growing produce at my allotment to donate to local care homes during this difficult time, which has also helped towards completing the Volunteering section of my award.”

Rachel Diss, Duke of Edinburgh manager at Beaumont College, said: “Our students have worked really hard to ensure they fulfil the requirements for their Duke of Edinburgh awards during the lockdown.

“With restrictions across the UK, some of the activities we would usually do have had to be postponed, but the efforts from each of the students have been truly admirable; everyone should be very proud of themselves.”