Weatherhead High School at St James’s Palace

Executive Headteacher, Mr Dyment and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager, Mr Owen were delighted to attend a ceremony at St James’s Palace to receive Weatherhead High School’s Duke of Edinburgh Direct Licence certificate from the Duke of Edinburgh himself.

This licence now opens up exciting opportunities for the school to plan their own programme and expeditions as part of the award.  The school has over 25 staff supporting more than 150 students who will be completing their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards this year.

Following a private tour of the palace, 16 students received their Gold award from the Duke of Edinburgh and special guest, Olympian and Wirralian, Chris Boardman.  To achieve the Gold award, students have to complete 18 months of volunteering in the local community, from helping at guides to working in the local charity shop. Students also had to learn and follow a new skill and undertake a physical activity for 12 months.  This was followed by two 5 day expeditions in the Yorkshire Dales and around Mount Snowdon in North Wales.  As always the weather was variable!

Ex Weatherhead and Duke of Edinburgh students Hannah and Rebecca Thurlow, who support the programme, were invited to be palace ushers for the day which involved introducing the students and staff to the Duke.

Many congratulations to all of the students who received their Gold award and good luck to those students completing the programme this year.