Barton Peveril Students Continue with DofE Awards Despite Lockdown

Two @BartonPeveril Sixth Form College students have successfully continued their Silver Duke of Edinburgh (@DofE) Awards, despite the difficulties imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. Oliver Bown and Sophie Wade are now on course to receive their awards as planned this autumn.

The DofE Awards task students aged 14 to 24 with helping the community and environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, and planning, training for and completing an expedition. Students can complete these tasks at three progressive levels, from Bronze, to Silver, and finally to Gold.

Oliver Bown, who previously attended Wildern School, conquered the limits imposed during lockdown by switching his volunteering efforts from Lifeguarding at a local pool to online home tutoring. 

Former Swanmore College pupil Sophie Wade helped her community, continuing to volunteer at her local horse riding school by implementing and following the new safety measures. Speaking on her efforts, Sophie said:

“The stables put in extra hygiene measures and made us adjust our own tack, which was then wiped before and after lessons. I could social distance in the riding school which has an open side too. I also carried on sewing and learning patchwork, although I couldn’t meet my teacher face to face.”

Barton Peveril Teacher of Geography and DofE Manager, Elaine Hooton, commented on the students’ continued effort to attain their Silver Awards:

“A huge well done! By being inventive and determined Sophie and Oliver have shown the three key qualities DofE looks for and develops – independence, resilience and confidence. They can now take their experiences and enjoyment forward as they look to build their future applications and show what fantastic skills and attitude they have!”

Both Oliver and Sophie will qualify for the DofE 2020 Certificate of Achievement, this autumn, as a result of their efforts.