Solihull students scale new heights and battle the elements for Duke of Edinburgh Award

Five school children from Solihull have scaled new heights and battled the elements to complete a two-day expedition in the Peak District and achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Jack Rigby, Jack Cope, Marcell Morris, Ben Hales, and Ryan Brown, aged between 14 and 16, attend schools in the north of Solihull and have been working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award while attending the Evolution project one day a week.

Evolution is a personalised development programme, provided by Solihull Council, which offers support to young people in and out of mainstream school.

The programme provides one-to-one support and opportunities for young people to get involved in a range of activities and is tailored to meet the individual needs of each young person that takes part – giving them with the opportunity to build self-esteem, confidence and set personal targets.

The expedition was the final assessment of the award, they had already completed 13 weeks volunteering at Shard End Friends Day Centre and Lea Village Welcome charity shop and completed several skill and physical assessments throughout the year. The group also took part in a two day practice expedition in Shropshire the previous week.

On completion of the award, Ryan Brown commented: “The expedition was very exhausting, it took a lot of hard work and determination to get through but it’s all worth it when you see the staff and your friends waiting at the end to congratulate you.

“Despite being really tiring, it was great fun and completing it with your friends makes it so much easier. I would recommend it to anyone who has the determination to do it.”

Councillor Ken Meeson, Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Skills, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh award is a great thing to take part in and gives school children the chance to get involved in activities they might not normally do so.

“As well as doing some excellent work volunteering, they have done well to brave the outdoor expedition and fully deserve their awards.”

For further information on the Evolution project, email: evolution@solihull.gov.uk

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1300/Solihull-students-reach-the-peak-with-Duke-of-Edinburgh-award