Fifty years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

He was accompanied by the School’s Duke of Edinburgh leader, Mike Overend, who was presented with a Long Service Certificate for supporting the Award for an outstanding 32 years.

The Certificates were presented by the DofE’s Regional Director for the South East, Christian Scott, in the presence of HRH Prince Edward KG GCVO. Just before the formal presentation, which took place on 13 January, John Franklin and Mike Overend were formally introduced to the HRH and given a guided tour of the palace.

At the same ceremony, six former Christ’s Hospital pupils were also receiving their Gold awards. This was a high number of recent leavers to get their Gold awards at one ceremony.

Mike Overend said: “Outside the classroom we want our pupils to challenge themselves to try new things, to develop talents they already possess, but also to discover new ones. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides a great framework for young people to do just that. The DofE is just one of the many co-curricular activities available at Christ’s Hospital which help give pupils the skills and the confidence that can ultimately make a difference to lives and communities.”

Pictured left is Christian Scott - SE Regional Director, John Franklin - Christ’s Hospital Head Master, Mike Overend - Teacher of French and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award leader at Christ’s Hospital, and Mike Naworynsky OBE - DofE Volunteer, Burford School and former Deputy Sergeant at Arms, House of Commons

Report and pictures contributed by Christ’s Hospital.