Duke of Edinburgh Award 2016
Chris Nicholls, the Enrichment and Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Manager at EF Academy Torbay, was invited to Buckingham Palace on Monday where he represented EF Academy at an event celebrating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in its 60th year. EF Academy was recognized by the award scheme and by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh for it’s consistent participation and outstanding performance in the DofE award, which sees students compete in volunteering and physical activities, go on expeditions and residential stays, and develop life skills. EF Academy Torbay is a unique school within the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme being one of only a couple of international schools that are directly licensed to run the award and this fact has been recognized. This year, EF Academy Torbay’ s top performers were Phol Porto an A level second year student from Spain, and Alex Po Ki Peng a second year IB student from Taiwan. Both students have developed skills in music throughout their time with us and have shown their independence and determination in their expedition preparation.
This was an amazing experience as an invitation to ‘The Palace’ is a recognition of the value of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and EF Academies contribution. The Award scheme was established 60 years ago by His Royal Highness to encourage young people to develop skills, help in their communities and to challenge themselves physically. It began with a few schools around the UK but has grown to be common place in all parts of the UK and beyond.
It was such an honor, if not a little strange, to be in the Royal Palace because it is such a well-known place and such a beautiful building with amazing grounds. Having the opportunity to meet his Royal Highness was a once in a lifetime thing.