St Richard's student receives award

Sixteen year old James Wickers was presented with a, 'Certificate of Prior Learning', during the college assembly on Tuesday morning.

James, is a student of Michelle Jebb, who teaches swimming and tennis, and it was she who nominated him for the award. In addition to being Michelle's student, James has also been volunteering his help - for approximately two hours a week - during her weekly classes for children aged four and upwards.

Praising James, Michelle said he has, "very good leadership qualities", and is, "excellent", with young children.

She added: "His confidence with coaching has grown and he can deliver very good lessons!"

George Collier, the DofE Development Officer for East Sussex, explained that Michelle acts as an Access Organisation for the DofE.

He said: "Many young people take part in activities that count towards DofE, and the Access Organisation initiative allows those activities to be nationally recognised and accredited."

He added: "We are very grateful to the Head Teacher and the Pastoral Leader of year eleven - Stephen Calladine-Evans - for arranging the presentation during a school assembly and hope that other pupils will be interested to find out about DofE. I congratulate James and hope that he will be encouraged to complete the other sections '“ Physical, Skills and Expedition '“ to work towards a DofE Award."

On Receiving his award James, who lives in Stone Cross, said he was very pleased to be taking part in the DofE Award, adding: "Now I want to get on with the other sections and hope to complete all three DofE levels '“ Bronze, Silver and Gold '“ in the future."

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was founded in 1956 by the Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

A registered charity run with the support of over 50,000 volunteers and 10,000 partner organisations, over 3.9 million young people have participated in the Award since it's commencement.

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award visit the website at: www.dofe.org