THIRTY-FOUR students from a Basingstoke school have been presented with their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards.

The Hurst School was recently presented with the awards last week by the deputy lieutenant of Hampshire, The Hon Hugo Cubitt, at an event attended by parents and teachers.

The invited guests packed into the school hall on a hot sunny evening to celebrate the successes of the year 10 students, who have successfully completed the four different elements that make up the Bronze award: volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. They each received certificates and a Duke of Edinburgh pin badge in recognition of their success.

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Mr Cubitt said: “I was honoured to present the Bronze Awards on behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and to congratulate these students at The Hurst School on their great achievement.

"It is clear they are lucky to have the enthusiasm, encouragement and support of both Miss Anna Croft, Programme Co-ordinator, and The Hurst School who recognise the tremendous benefits of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.”

The students completed a wide range of volunteering activities over a period of three months, with their experiences ranging from undertaking charity administration, to dance coaching, dog training and animal welfare activities. 

They also completed a two-day expedition last October, which covered 20 miles over two days. The group departed Hungerford Common on a Saturday morning, navigating their way to Linkenholt in Wiltshire where they sat up camp overnight. After a cold night - illustrated by frost on the tents the following morning - they cooked breakfast and then packed up their equipment before navigating a different route back to Hungerford Common.

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Anna Croft, the Duke of Edinburgh programme coordinator at the school, added: “I am incredibly proud of our students who have shown resilience, ambition, and dedication to complete their award. They should be really pleased with their achievements, and it was fantastic to celebrate their success tonight.”   

The Duke of Edinburgh is a respected mark of achievement by colleges, universities, and employers, giving clear evidence of developing communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. The Hurst School has over 60 students enrolled in this year’s Bronze award, making it one of the largest participators in the event across all Hampshire schools.