Students go for gold

Students go for gold

Thirty-five eager A level students are going for gold at Rochdale Sixth Form College as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The programme commenced in January is now in full swing and after a few introductory lessons, students have now begun the journey by giving their time to undertake a number of activities. 

Students are currently volunteering at Deeplish Community Centre, Springhill Hospice, Barnado’s and local primary schools.

The Duke of Edinburgh students are also getting considerably fitter.  All of them are working on their fitness levels with activities such as martial arts, fitness training, swimming and basketball.

Tony Day, Vice Principal said: “We are keen for our students to have every opportunity to develop not only academically but on a personal development level too.

“We are pleased that our students are keen to take up the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award because whilst it has an achievement focus, it also develops the personal skills that universities and employers want.

“To achieve the gold award will require resilience and determination and our students have started extremely positively.”

Two students who are going for gold are Sophie Simpson and Daud Sikander who in addition are applying for a Nuffield Bursary to embark on scientific projects in astro physics and forensics.

Ms Simpson said: “Although the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award is challenging, I find it very rewarding.  The opportunity to do the Nuffield Bursary in forensics, has given me fantastic prospects for the future!”

James Davidson, a Sociology teacher who is leading on Duke of Edinburgh added: “Our students are gaining new skills as a result of the award. We seem to have in our midst first aiders, Japanese speakers, software designers and event planners to name just a few as a result of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

The sixth form college students take part in their first camping weekend in June involving water sports, hiking and trekking.