Passion, Determination and Resilience

Congratulations to fifteen Alleyn’s alumni who were awarded their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Buckingham Palace Gardens on Monday 13 May.   

The event, hosted by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was a chance to celebrate the passion, determination, and resilience that all the alumni have demonstrated in completing the five demanding sections of the Gold Award, including volunteering, physical, skill, expedition, and residential. It was also a chance to come together to share their memories of muddy expeditions and recognise their achievements with each other, their guests and Alleyn’s staff, Mr Alldrick and Ms Chandler and Ms Poole.  

Guests heard from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as well as inspirational guest speakers including BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner OBE, Chief Fire Officer in West Sussex Dr Sabrina Chen-Hatton and astronaut Tim Peake CMG. They could also explore the beautiful gardens, play garden games and enjoy music by some of the country’s military bands.   

Following the award presentations, the Alleyn’s Gold Award holders were invited with their friends and family to the Phoenix in Victoria for drinks and refreshments and a chance to catch up. It was a wonderful celebration and recognition of the hard work they have each undertaken to achieve their Gold Award.  

Alleyn’s Duke of Edinburgh's Award Coordinator, Mr Alldrick, congratulated the Alleyn’s Gold Award holders and encouraged them to take on board the inspirational speeches they had heard at the presentations, encouraging them to walk a couple of inches taller. 

He said:  

“You really have done an amazing job, and to have done all that with everything else you were doing at School, and afterwards. You have done it and you’re here! Very well done indeed!”  

Mr Alldrick also thanked long-service Alleyn’s staff for their commitment to the DofE programme at Alleyn’s. He presented certificates from DofE Chief Executive, Ruth Marvel, to Sue Chandler for 35 years’ service and Anne Poole for 25 years’ service inspiring and guiding countless Alleyn’s pupils in their self-development. Well done and thank you to you both! 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at Alleyn’s is always popular and is one of the largest programmes in the south-east of England. Keep up-to-date with all Alleyn’s DofE news on the @Alleyns_DofE twitter feed.