Students achieve Duke of Edinburgh awards

On Wednesday 28 November, over 20 students from Perth College UHI were presented with Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) awards. The awards were presented by Dr Margaret Cook, Principal and Chief Executive at Perth College UHI.

In attendance were students and staff from Perth College UHI; Aimee Harvey, University of the Highlands and Islands; Kate Somervail, Centre Support Officer at DofE; and Ray Peace, Wiston Lodge.

The students are studying on the Social and Vocational Studies and Moving On courses, both of which are part of the Skills for Life Learning and Employment department. The opportunity to complete a DofE award is embedded into the curriculum, and gives students the opportunity to gain a certificate which is recognised by employers.

The department has recently put in a successful bid for £3847 from the DofE Project for Mission Expedition, to purchase expedition equipment. This will enable future groups to complete their DofE awards without cost barriers.

This year, Lanark based Wiston Lodge kindly facilitated a free residential for the students. This was a crucial part of the students’ learning and enabled them to gain valuable credits towards their awards.

Karen Downs, Sector Manager Skills for Life Learning and Employment at Perth College UHI, said: “We are delighted to see so many of our students successfully achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. It is always a joy to see students pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and learning new skills. This is a great testament to their hard work and resilience. We are also very grateful for all the support we have received to make this all happen.”