Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards

We are delighted that four young people who recently completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award during their last year at Grove College have attended St James' Palace in London for the Presentation Ceremony.

On December 6th, James Bowen, Kate Botting, Helen Mason and James Shelley, accompanied by proud parents, received their awards from Linford Christie.  There followed a 20 minute audience with HRH Prince Philip.

Grove has a strong tradition of encouraging students to be involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. The programme is currently led by teacher Seth Thomas with help from other Grove staff, parents and friends.

To reach Gold standard, all four had to complete a major expedition, demonstrate the development of a personal skill and involvement in a recreational activity, complete a residential course and provide a service to others.

James Bowen with father Paul. 

James completed his Grove College course this year with three excellent A level results in english Language, Geography and History (AAB) and is now studying History at Lancaster University.

Kate Botting studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Business Studies at Grove College leaving with three Grade A and one Grade B pass.  She is now at Warwick University reading Law.

James Shelley with Linford Christie, who presented the awards. 

James studied Maths, Business Studies and PE at Grove College, gaining two Grade B and one Grade C pass before moving on to Higher Education at Keele, where he is is reading Business Studies and Maths.

Helen Mason is now at Durham University studying Natural Sciences having completed her Grove College courses with straight A passes in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry.  Unusually, Helen undertook her Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition on horseback!

Linford Christie with

Helen and Kate