Working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can be a life-changing experience. Pupils discover new interests and talents, have fun with friends and develop essential skills for life and work.
There are five sections to complete the Gold level, including the Volunteering section which encourages pupils to give time to help people, the community or society, or the environment. Pupils are encouraged to look to their local area to complete the volunteering section of their award.
At St Peter's School, we have 32 Lower Sixth pupils who are working towards their Gold Award.
The following girls have each set up their own volunteering opportunities, and are giving at least an hour of their time each week over a twelve month period to complete this section of the Award.
Emily
I’m helping a young individual develop her skills and confidence when playing piano. I do this once a week for around 1.5 hours on a Zoom call. I enjoy being able to help others build their confidence and at the same time knowing that the individual is enjoying themselves which is one of the primary roles.
Taking part in the DofE award has made me increasingly aware of different opportunities which can be fitted to any individual as there is such a wide number of activities available, which is why I enjoy doing it!
Hannah
For my gold DofE volunteering, I have been a volunteer at the York COVID-19 vaccination centre at Askham Bar. The role involves guiding and directing people, helping the more vulnerable people through the vaccination process and keeping the system running smoothly. I have really enjoyed meeting loads of new people and helping with the effort to vaccinate the country.
Volunteering as part of my DofE award has become a fantastic opportunity for me to help others and learn valuable communication skills which will help me in the future. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute my time to helping the country return to normality.
Megan
For my DofE volunteering, I have been tutoring a girl from the Ukraine. We connect over Zoom every week to improve her English. I really enjoy learning more about her culture and traditions as well as sharing my own.
I have really enjoyed doing my DofE volunteering and seeing how my efforts can make a difference to other people.
Melissa
For my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteering, I have been working with Kent mapping online in partnership with JSTOR Labs and Canterbury Christ Church University, to write essays and articles on my chosen topic which happens to be local businesses and entrepreneurs in Kent to ‘put them on the map’. I have meetings weekly where student ambassadors give advice and expertise on how to write effectively and I really enjoy learning about the innovative ideas and businesses, giving them the awareness they deserve.
I enjoy my Gold Volunteering as it’s great to be part of a team and receive the support which allows me to help in ways I would not be able to usually.
Holly
On a Tuesday morning I volunteer in the Royal Voluntary Service Cafe at Foss Park Hospital. I serve customers a variety of food & drink as well as being a friendly face to any of the patients who want to chat, I really enjoy meeting new people from all different walks of life and hearing their stories. The most rewarding part is making the patients smile and just making their day a little bit brighter!
Charlotte
Every week for one hour I go litter picking round my local village as part of my DofE gold award. Although this is only a small-scale help to the community, it feels rewarding to give back. Litter picking is my active effort to help contribute to a better world. It also gives me a sense of joy to give back to my local community.
Maddie
I volunteer with the royal voluntary service at Foss Park Hospital. I work in the cafe and serve the patients, staff and visitors of the hospital. I enjoy working with the service as I get to meet and talk to Doctors and the patients. As part of my training I have had to complete food hygiene, safeguarding and understand dementia as some patents suffer from mental health issues. I volunteer for 2 hours a week and have developed many skills I can take with me into future careers.
I enjoy being part of the Royal voluntary service community within the hospital based environment.
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