KnowleDGE visits palace to receive Duke of Edinburgh Award licence 

Representatives from KnowleDGE Learning Centre visited St James’s Palace last week to receive a licence to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The school, that educates children from across the south of the city with social, emotional and learning difficulties, is now in the position to award students directly.

More students than ever are taking part in the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) – with 18 pupils receiving their Bronze since the school started the scheme three years ago.

And the school expects to make its first direct Bronze Awards to eight more students before Christmas.

On Tuesday 20 September, representatives visited St James’s Palace to receive the special licence from internationally-renown polar consultant and adventure guide, Inge Solheim.

Head of PE and Enjoyment Hub at the school, Matt Franzke said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a great way for students to push themselves and broaden their interests.  It’s a chance to prove to themselves and future employers that they are committed and capable of completing a challenge.”

Challenges accomplished by students over the last three years include volunteering in school as sports leaders and gaining qualifications in construction, catering or vehicle maintenance. They have also completed cycling and other sporting challenges and an expedition in the Forest of Dean.

Mitchell Jenkins (16) is about to complete his Bronze DofE. He said: “The expedition was the hardest thing I have done but I thought it was amazing.”

DofE Director for the South West Region Peter Singleton said: “…Without the hard work and support of all our Licensed Organisations, young people in the area wouldn’t have the opportunity to do their DofE and transform their lives.”

KnowleDGE Learning Centre now joins 1,800 Licensed Organisations nationally as an official delivery partner.