News Stories

"I am currently a DofE UK Youth Ambassador. This role involves helping to ensure that DofE is as inclusive as possible. 

Throughout my time as an ambassador I have had the opportunity to develop fantastic skills, participate in workshops and attend incredible events. I applied as a Bronze Award holder and the application process involved written and visual submissions. For example I reflected on my DofE experience by submitting both a video as well as some written responses. Following this I attended a virtual interview and shortly after was accepted onto the programme and attended a welcome session virtually.

My role began in June, and so far, I have had the chance to participate in certified 'BodyTalk' training and, as a result, being accredited in public speaking by the prestigious company. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in a motivational workshop led by Darren Edwards regarding his charity work as an inspiring adventurer and even received a signed copy of his book “Strength Through Adversity“. 

I am really passionate about inclusivity within the award, and hope to ensure that all young people feel that the award is accessible for them. Therefore, I have attended many focus groups ranging from those facilitated by the 'Countryside Code, Mind' in order to ensure the award is inclusive. 

This has been a great chance for me to reflect on my DofE journey, but also an opportunity for me to gain a greater understanding of how everyone’s DofE experience is unique and individual to them. I even had the chance to attend a focus group regarding the design of DofE merchandise and helped to ensure the design was applicable to young people.

Last month, I had the chance to attend media training facilitated by the DofE media team, and will potentially get the chance to feature on a local radio station or newspaper following this workshop. 

My work with the 'Countryside Code' will even involve some creative surprises that will be announced in the coming months. 
I have also had the chance to be on the judging panel for the 'Trailblazer of The Year Award' at the 'This is Youth Awards 2023', which was a great achievement. It was particularly important to me to ensure young people’s inspiring work was appreciated through this opportunity and the panel also had some amazing individuals, such as The Baroness Grey. 

In early November, I had the opportunity to attend the DofE Beyond CV: 'Youth Without Limits Live' event at Google HQ,  
as a DofE ambassador. This event involved creative workshops regarding the way in which DofE is so much more than a sentence on your CV, and instead the skills you develop are transferable within employment. 

This professional networking event was an opportunity to hear from those most successful in their field, listening to keynote speakers such as Tim Campbell from The Apprentice. 

In addition, there were live panel events held involving workers from Google, London Fire Brigade and Amey. Personally, I found this incredibly interesting as I volunteer at my Local Fire Cadets, progressing through the ranks to an instructor, as part of my Silver DofE. Therefore, I really resonated with the fire-fighter from London Fire Brigade who wants to truly ensure inclusivity is present throughout the brigade. Most amazingly though, I was able to be involved in a presentation at Google HQ alongside other ambassadors in front of over 300 people regarding personality types. This was an incredible chance to develop my public speaking skills and confidence but also an amazing opportunity to work collaboratively with other ambassadors. 

I am currently attending mental health awareness workshops as part of my role and will hopefully be receiving mental health first aid training in the near future. In May next year I will have the opportunity to attend the Gold Award Ceremony in Buckingham Palace as an ambassador, which is very exciting and an opportunity I am definitely looking forward to."
                                                                                                                                                                             Gracie Fitzsimons, DofE Ambassador 
 

As part of Green Careers Week Year 12 and 13 Geography students, and members of the Eco-council, attended a talk on Green Careers and the increasing importance of green skills in future employment.

The session was run by a member of the sustainable recruitment team at Hays Education UK and provided the students with invaluable advice on how to build their green skills and how to get involved in careers in industries and businesses that are aiming to improve their sustainability.

Students also received advice on work experience and things they can do within school to make our community more sustainable. Students asked exceptional, thought provoking questions, tackling challenges around the ethics of individual companies and the ideas of green washing.

Year 8 was very lucky to have an assembly delivered by Gavin Jones, Innovation Manager from Virgin Media and O2 described how new technologies will impact our lives and future careers. 

He explained how changes in technology will affect our lives and how we can think more innovatively.  
Some students then had further workshops by #CovConnects, SkyBlues in the Community, University of Warwick and Coventry University. 

They completed a coding session using Lego robotics and a workshop on how to record a podcast.

Mrs Murray, Year 8 College Director

Black History Month is a momentous occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. This years theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

Staff in the library have a display in the visitors reception shining a light on some of these truly amazing women and the important contributions they have made to many lives.
 

Year 10 had an incredible opportunity to meet Oly Newton one of the founders of '100 Talks for Change'. The aim of the project is to travel across the UK, delivering over 100 talks, in 20 days, to over 10,000 students which will not only impact those who hear the talks but will help raise money for some very special charities in the mental health space.

Oly shared some incredible emotional experiences of his journey with his own mental health.

He spoke about many pivotal points in his life including his experiences of OCD and how it became a barrier to his life as he grew up. However, Oly’s journey of how he overcame his challenges was incredibly motivational.

His discovery of running enabled Oly to raise awareness of the importance of mental well-being and also contributed heavily to overcoming his own mental health challenges.

To see him stand in front of 335 Year 10 students and speak with such vulnerability, yet with such passion, showed that anything is possible.

For more information about the work that Oly and Daniel are doing, click on the following links:

https://100talksforchange.com/      @run4yourmind