YEARS of hard work have paid off for five former students of Princethorpe College who were invited to St James’s Palace in London to be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Charlie Rooney and Mollie Hughes, who left the school in 2017, and 2018 leavers Laura Baskerville, Erin Dunn-Morgan and Ben Haden received their awards from former professional rugby player Cai Griffiths, now head coach of London Welsh Rugby Football Club and head of UK sales for The Training and Learning Company.
Also in attendance was the Earl of Wessex, HRH Prince Edward, who was engaging and interested when speaking to the group about their experiences, and in particular the blood, sweat and tears of their expeditions.
It took over five years for the Old Princethorpians to earn their Gold Awards, during which time they volunteered, learned new skills, took part in physical activities, undertook a week-long residential, and planned and completed self-sufficient expeditions.
Princethorpe College’s head of outdoor education Will Bower said he was delighted.
He added: “Completing your Gold Duke of Edinburgh takes commitment and resolve, and the skills developed along the way benefit both the individual and their local community.
“All of these young people showed dedication and perseverance and their final expedition to St James’s Palace is a well-deserved reward.”
