As a 13 year old in 1975 I couldn’t wait to be old enough to join the D if E offered by the youth club at my school (Cottingham High school) loved every minute of the bronze , silver and gold awards, even though it meant a 45 min bus journey each way, often in the dark.
I so wanted to be judged as equal to my male colleagues, i always felt it was dumbed down for female participants ( not what I wanted) we had easier options for physical activities and the expeditions. I was delighted when we got to the gold expeditions and due to low numbers we had to attend a course at Stape (N York moors) the guy running it was ex army and told us females that there were no special alterations made for females on his courses I was so Pleased to be judged as an equal on my merits and not as some weak second class person. I finished my Gold award (so proud as I wasn’t very academic at school) got the award in 1981 from HRHPP along with my best friend from school.
As an adult I greatly support the award scheme and have been involved as a leader in Hertfordshire (chair person on the expedition panel) and now In York. As a teacher I am a manager and an assessor. I completely understand the impact the scheme has on participants I just wish schools would support us teachers and volunteers and grasp the fact that academic qualifications aren't everything. I see the impact of the scheme on pupils every day.
I completely believe in it and I am grateful to have the opportunity to take part and be able to deliver it to young people. Thank You