Royal seal of approval for high school pupils
PUPILS at St Andrews High School were given the royal seal of approval when the Earl of Wessex congratulated them on their success in an awards scheme.
The pupils had completed their bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, set up by Prince Edward’s father Prince Philip.
Sixth year pupils on the award scheme said they had tough outward bound training in Balloch.
The pupils said they faced difficulties with the weather and had to take a day off because the severe winds.
Alex Cumming, Assistant director of Duke of Edinburgh awards, said: “It has been a life time opportunity. Glasgow invested almost 16,000 young people for Duke of Edinburgh.
“There is a strategic aim of equality and experience. There is also no financial barriers.”
Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Education, Early Years & Skills, and Glasgow City Council said: “What a wonderful Royal seal of approval for our young people across the city who take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“I’m so proud of both the staff and young people who engage in this award scheme and delighted that Glasgow has now been crowned as the largest provider of Duke of Edinburgh awards in Scotland with 1,592 enrolling at Bronze, Silver and Gold last year.
“The Award is an amazing opportunity for our young people and equips them with a variety of skills that will stand them in good stead thought out life.”
The Earl of Wessex gave advice to young students from different schools as he interacted with them about their achievements and how they have benefitted from participating in the programme.
Barry Fisher, from the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, said: “I am delighted that HRH The Earl of Wessex, in his role as Trustee for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Charity, visited St Andrews Academy to meet everyone involved in the recent success of the DofE programme across the City of Glasgow.
“Today is a great celebration of Glasgow City Council becoming the largest operator of the DofE programme in Scotland, providing skills for life and work to young people across the city”.