We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone for one of our Year 12 students, Georgia, who has officially achieved her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award. Georgia’s journey through the DofE program is a testament to her tenacity, leadership, and passion for personal growth.

The Step Up: From Bronze to Silver

Achieving Silver is a significant step up from the Bronze level. While Bronze serves as an introduction, Silver demands a greater level of commitment and endurance:

• Increased Duration: The expedition length increases to three days and two nights, requiring better physical stamina and more complex meal planning.
• Independent Navigation: Students must demonstrate higher proficiency in compass work and route finding in more challenging terrain.
• Sustained Commitment: The Volunteering, Physical, and Skills sections require a longer time investment (with 2 sections requiring 6 months), pushing students to show true dedication to their chosen activities.

From the Rain of Bowland to the Peaks

Georgia is no stranger to the "great British weather." Back in Year 10, she completed her Bronze expedition during a notoriously wet three days in the Forest of Bowland. Rather than being deterred by the mud and rain, that experience fuelled her desire for more.

This year, Georgia relished the challenge of her Silver expedition in the Peak District. Trading the damp fells of Bowland for the iconic gritstone edges and rolling valleys of the Peaks, she navigated the three-day trek with ease, showcasing the skills she has honed over the last two years.

A High-Achiever In and Out of School

Georgia’s success is even more impressive when considering her busy schedule. She is an incredibly active and enthusiastic member of the Stretford Grammar community with a wide range of interests:

• Cadets: Applying her leadership and discipline to her local cadet unit.
• Competitive Swimming: Training and competing at a very high level, a pursuit that requires immense dedication and early morning starts.

The Final Frontier: Gold

Georgia isn't stopping at Silver. She has already enroled in the Gold DofE Award with the school. This final stage includes a four-day expedition in "Wild Country" and a week-long residential project, representing the ultimate test of a young person’s character.

Mr. Price, DofE Leader, shared his pride in her progress: "It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Georgia progress through every stage of the DofE journey. From those soggy days in the Forest of Bowland to the confident leader we see today in Year 12, she has shown incredible resilience. Georgia embodies the spirit of the award, balancing her elite swimming and cadet commitments with a constant smile. I have no doubt she will be a fantastic Gold candidate."

Congratulations, Georgia, on this fantastic achievement!