Park Vale Academy Celebrates Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Success – 22nd April 2026
26 Apr 2026
Park Vale Academy proudly celebrated the achievements of 29 students who successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award during the 2025–26 academic year. The accomplishments were recognised at the Academy’s annual DofE Awards Celebration Event, attended by families, friends, and staff.
Certificates were presented by the Academy’s experienced DofE Lead, Mr Alan Steer, who congratulated students on their exceptional commitment, dedication, and resilience throughout the programme.
“The determination, enthusiasm, and resilience shown by our students is truly commendable. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme provides experiences that build confidence, character, and leadership, and it was inspiring to see how fully the students embraced those opportunities. I extend my warmest congratulations to all Award recipients, along with my sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers whose dedication makes the programme possible.”
Celebrating Memories and Personal Growth
A highlight of the event was a special video presentation, Memories and Thoughts, created by the DofE staff, featuring a photo compilation capturing the students’ journeys and achievements.
Students were also invited to reflect on their experiences. When asked to describe their best experience in just one word, responses included:
Eventful, fun, hot, chaotic, adventurous, wonderful, independence.
Reflecting on what they learned about themselves during the challenge, students shared powerful and insightful thoughts, including:
- “I can read a map!”
- “I don’t miss my phone or parents as much as I thought I would.”
- “I can lead, and I’m stronger than I think.”
- “I can push myself without crying.”
- “I now respect nature a lot more.”
- “I can keep going when things get hard.”
Lasting Impact Beyond the Award
Park Vale Academy continues to see strong growth in DofE participation, with students contributing hundreds of hours of volunteering within the local community. Their efforts have supported charities, care settings, sports clubs, local events, youth organisations, and environmental projects—making a meaningful impact well beyond the Academy.
The school now looks forward to supporting its next Bronze cohort as they embark on their 2025–26 expeditions and volunteering placements, continuing the tradition of challenge, service, and personal development that defines the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
