Harry Rowland
The DofE scheme offered me an individual challenge where I had to be proactive to develop and evidence a whole host of skills through a system that consisted of a balanced, non competitive programme of voluntary activities.
As I worked through my Bronze in Yr 10, Silver in Yr 11 and completed the Gold in Yr 13, the scheme encouraged a personal discovery and growth by teaching reliance, perseverance and responsibility to myself with service to my community as highlighted by the Duke's own life of service.
I gained life skills such as commitment, determination and passion to benefit my personal development. I was able to get stuck in and open up my life to new friends, fun experiences, new interests, skills and opportunities.
The scheme immersed me in an independently adjudicated test of character and skill that took me away from the suffocating and toxic School recognition system that favoured the few and ignored the wider pupil population. I was bullied in Years 9 – 11 by boys competing for Sports recognition. During Years 12 and 13 I played for and captained my national team at Rugby XVs and 7s at tournaments across Europe and Dubai. I was at the same time the recipient of multiple County, Regional and National awards that acknowledged me as being one of the best Young Match Officials and Young Rugby Ambassadors in England. However, I received no recognition from my School while boys who held the tackle bags in practice were awarded full sports colours.
The DofE Scheme gave me huge confidence to ignore the bullies and detractors. It challenged and stretched my abilities to create a framework of self worth, confidence, resilience and achievement.
As I complete my first year as a Student Athlete at University against the backdrop of this terrible COVID pandemic, it is the personal qualities developed through the DofE Scheme that are supporting my ability to cope, my happiness and well being during these difficult times.
I am forever grateful.
As I worked through my Bronze in Yr 10, Silver in Yr 11 and completed the Gold in Yr 13, the scheme encouraged a personal discovery and growth by teaching reliance, perseverance and responsibility to myself with service to my community as highlighted by the Duke's own life of service.
I gained life skills such as commitment, determination and passion to benefit my personal development. I was able to get stuck in and open up my life to new friends, fun experiences, new interests, skills and opportunities.
The scheme immersed me in an independently adjudicated test of character and skill that took me away from the suffocating and toxic School recognition system that favoured the few and ignored the wider pupil population. I was bullied in Years 9 – 11 by boys competing for Sports recognition. During Years 12 and 13 I played for and captained my national team at Rugby XVs and 7s at tournaments across Europe and Dubai. I was at the same time the recipient of multiple County, Regional and National awards that acknowledged me as being one of the best Young Match Officials and Young Rugby Ambassadors in England. However, I received no recognition from my School while boys who held the tackle bags in practice were awarded full sports colours.
The DofE Scheme gave me huge confidence to ignore the bullies and detractors. It challenged and stretched my abilities to create a framework of self worth, confidence, resilience and achievement.
As I complete my first year as a Student Athlete at University against the backdrop of this terrible COVID pandemic, it is the personal qualities developed through the DofE Scheme that are supporting my ability to cope, my happiness and well being during these difficult times.
I am forever grateful.
