SCHOOLS NEWS
A GROUP of sixth form students have become Accrington Academy’s first to successfully complete their gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
Ben Dewale, Rebecca Edwards, Bria Fielding, Alana Hargreaves, Rachael Wootton and Molly Waring, who left the school last September and Jenna Tate, who is a current Year 13 student, completed a range of tasks over a five-year period to achieve the prestigious accolade.
These included voluntary work, treks such as the Three Peaks Challenge, youth work and mentoring fellow students. All seven have been invited to Buckingham Palace to receive their award and Jenna and Rachel have already attended last month, when they were presented with their certificates by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
Jenna said: “The Duke of Edinburgh scheme has been part of my life for five years now and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It has allowed me to gain experience and mature through the years. Receiving my gold award at the palace was a truly memorable experience. I hope that being one of the first at the academy to achieve the gold award will help to motivate other students to take on this fantastic challenge.”
Accrington Academy’s head of school, Nicola Palmer, added: “The academy’s support for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme forms an important part of our commitment to provide our students with an education with character, enabling them to get the most from their time with us. Huge congratulations to all those who have successfully completed their gold award, earning themselves a place in Accrington Academy history.”