MORE THAN 70 Year 10 students at Thomas Keble School were presented with their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards last week.

Thomas Keble is unusual in the sheer numbers of students who complete the challenge.

Julia Maunder, head teacher, said: “This valuable programme goes from strength to strength at Thomas Keble.

“The personal qualities reflected in the ethos of Duke of Edinburgh is what we aspire to at Thomas Keble.

“Over 50 per cent of our current Year 10 undertook the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh with 75 per cent of the Year 9 cohort following in their footsteps.”

The commitment to the programme was certainly clear this year as English teacher and Head of Year 8, Holly Stephens, joined the students in working towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and undertook the DofE ‘Diamond Challenge’ to raise much needed funds for the national programme.

She completed the Cheddar Gorge Challenge which involves the 5km, 10km and half marathon distances around Cheddar to raise the money.

Year 10 student Mathew Bishop, summed up the value for him: “I found the Duke of Edinburgh brought a refreshing aspect…breathing life into hobbies.”

To achieve his award, Mathew helped Mr Price, head of PE, to run the Year 7 and 8 Badminton club and volunteered to take part in the bell-ringing team at Bisley All Saints Church.

“Such commitment is typical of the partnerships we strive to develop at Thomas Keble” said Miss Maunder.

“The learning process is very much a partnership and a team effort. The Duke of Edinburgh’s programme embodies this and I am extremely proud of all involved.”