The DofE is powered by dedicated people and we want to celebrate those who have demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and commitment, contributing their time, energy and passion for more than 10 years of service to young people. 

Congratulations to Norrie, the Exceptional Service: Torchbearer of the Year winner!

norrie

Norrie introduced DofE at Auchenharvie Academy over 20 years ago, initially as a way to engage some of the school’s hardest to reach pupils. He has gone on to positively impact countless young lives as he supports participants through their Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE.

Known as “Mr DofE” at the academy, Norrie’s tireless work has seen him named Torchbearer of the Year, honouring exceptional adults who have, for over a decade, dedicated their time, energy and commitment to ensuring young people fulfil their potential.

"It makes a real difference to these pupils; they love taking part and I find their behaviour is a lot better. Over the years DofE has been a great success in Auchenharvie Academy."

Norrie still runs a programme in school hours for pupils who find the classroom challenging and says it leads to huge changes in behaviour and confidence. He also runs an after-school programme for those who, while not struggling, are keen to enhance their skillset and CV.

He has been instrumental in providing a wealth of opportunities in the community for his DofE students, including an immensely popular 12-week outreach programme at the local fire station, volunteering at an old people’s home, and gym access after school for the DofE Physical section.

Jane

Jane has spent the last 12 years as a DofE Manager in five different schools and working with several expedition companies, sharing her passion for outdoor education with countless young people. Jane works hard to ensure all students are fully prepared, offering fitness, training, and life-skills opportunities to build their confidence before they embark on DofE.

Passionate about making the DofE accessible for all, Jane begins working with participants with additional needs a year before they sign up, to establish potential challenges and overcome them ahead of time.

"The DofE builds life skills such as resilience, teamwork and perseverance."

She believes DofE offers many benefits: confidence, independence, resilience and valuable life skills. "The DofE has been a big part of my life – it's a passion turned into a job. It can be hard work, and a bit bonkers, but seeing young people fulfil their potential, seeing them have fun, keeps me coming back."

Alan

Eighty-six-year-old Alan has dedicated 68 years to the DofE, changing the lives of thousands of young people. Having assessed expeditions for years, he only stepped down from Gold this year as, he says, he found he couldn’t get to the peaks in the Lake District in time to meet participants. Such is his contagious passion for getting young people outdoors, at 86-years-old, he has no plans to retire.

"I’ve seen immediate results from young people doing their DofE."

He continues to share his wisdom and experience because he believes DofE recognises the value of young people and changes lives. "I’ve worked with many young people, and it makes me proud to think I may have influenced them. I’ve had young people come back to me and thank me, to tell me that, although it felt hard at the time, the DofE is the best thing that’s happened to them. One young lady didn’t quite meet her grades for university but when they saw she had her Gold DofE, they said they would take her on the course – so DofE really can be that influential."