Duke of Edinburgh Award winners praised

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme started in 1956

Three unique awards for Outstanding Community Service on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme have been presented to proud pupils at Saddleworth School.

Philip Renold, an inspirational teacher at the school for 12 years from the mid 1970s and introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at the school.
 
And this year his award for outstanding community service on the DofE silver award scheme is given to Ciera Southern, from Uppermill, who has supported a former neighbour who lives on her own and struggles with Parkinson’s disease.

Ciera helped her with shopping and general household jobs and craft activities, including remodelling a dolls house together.

She has also helped the lady’s 101 year old mother with shopping and errands. She has learnt the importance of providing support and company to isolated people, which is even more valuable during the Covid19 pandemic.

She received the award from Dr Richard Knowles, a school governor, who presented certificates and badges  to  other DofE winners with Dr David Rowan.
 
Outstanding Community Service on the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Scheme is given jointly to Millie Mumford-Lloyd and Rebecca Woolfenden, from Uppermill  and Lees respective for outstanding community service.
 
Millie helped support and guide young primary school pupils in an After School Science Club for Key Stages 1 and 2. She also helped Uppermill Museum with their database, photocopying and scanning antique images, and creating gift bags.
 
Rebecca helped with the GCSE Maths Club for Year 6 pupils at Hey with Zion Primary School.

And she helped Oldham Roundthorn Salvation Army organising their foodbank, delivering clothes and food to people in need as part of the Ancora Project and delivering envelopes for people who could not access church online.

Dr Knowles said: “Congratulations to the many students who received their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards today and especially for their community service activities.

“Community service is an integral part of Saddleworth School’s ethos to empower and inspire students and the Duke of Edinburgh Award provides the opportunity for them to give something back to our Saddleworth community. ”

The wide range of Community Service undertaken for many hours, week after week by Saddleworth School pupils is commendable, especially during the Covid19 pandemic, and includes helping with:

• Forest School
• Litter Picking
• Social talks with Care Home residents
• Missing Maps project helping less developed countries with disaster responses
• 3Ds under 9s football coaching
• Local primary After School Clubs with English, Maths, Science and Spelling and Before School Club
• Primary School reception
• Coaching gymnastics to 6 to 8 year olds
• Dance Studio for 3 to 5 year olds
• Tennis Club
• Basketball Club
• Local Girl Guides, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Brownies
• Teaching children karate
• Delph Library
• A local Band helping younger children
• Oldham Youth Council
• Antarctic wildlife count
• Helping grandparents
• Shopping for an elderly man
• Walking a neighbour’s dog
• Alexandra Park: timing park runs

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme,  which started in 1956 is now in 144 countries, with  420,000 participants just in the UK operating at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

There are four parts to the Award  - Volunteering in Community Service or helping individuals; Developing Practical and Social Skills; Physical Improvement in sport, dance or fitness; Planning, training and completing an Expedition.

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