Students at Chase High School in Westcliff-on-Sea have successfully completed the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), demonstrating resilience and gaining valuable life skills while making new friends. The programme, which helps young people build self-belief by taking on personal challenges, involved students from Year 9 and 10 completing Silver and Bronze award qualifying expeditions in the Suffolk countryside.
Expeditions and Preparation
Prior to the expeditions, students conducted scoping visits of potential sites and completed risk assessments to ensure safety. During the three-day expeditions, they demonstrated key DofE skills such as route planning, navigation, teamwork, and camp craft.
Volunteering and Skill Development
In addition to expeditions, students volunteered in the community, assisting with local Brownie groups, litter-picking, supporting school activities, helping at gymnastics sessions, and contributing to local charities. For the skills section, they learned new languages, practiced fine art techniques, and improved cooking and baking abilities. Students also took up new sports and undertook walking challenges for the physical component, building confidence and resilience.
Quotes and Impact
Brian Krawetzke, DofE manager, said: "It's been inspiring to see our students embrace every part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - from volunteering in the community to developing new skills and pushing themselves physically. Their commitment, teamwork and resilience truly reflect the values of the programme." Student Stanley Kinsalla added: "DofE was a great way to socialise and make new friends." Classmate Sophia Lee noted: "I enjoyed it because I made new friends and gained new skills."
