Years ago we chose our children’s senior school based upon the fact that they were big into the DofE . At that time, Newquay Tretherras put more teenagers through the scheme than all other Cornish schools combined. A credit to the foresight of the leadership team at that time.
They recognised, as did Prince Philip, a child’s education is much more than academic performance and league tables. An ethos that an element of modern-day society would do well to consider.
Our eldest son thrived under the scheme, and I would go so far as to say, that it has made him the man that he is today. He learnt so many life skills that are not taught as part of the national curriculum. For example, carrying somebody else’s rucksack as they’ve got blisters, waiting for the slowest person and encouraging them to finish and just respecting other people.
Fifteen years later he is now a leader with Newquay 5th Cubs after having done volunteering experience with the pack as a young teenager.
My daughter worked in a care home for her work experience and looked after elderly people, including all of their ‘needs’. Something we would never have believed she would have done!
The Scheme/Award is a credit to Prince Philip and long may it continue.