News

A Year 10 student from Coombeshead Academy  has been completing his Duke of Edinburgh volunteering with The National Trust at Greenway House. 

He has been recognised this month in The National Trust’s internal newsletter because of his fantastic efforts and contributions during this time.  He’s also written his own article about his experience too.  Despite completing the volunteering needed to complete his award, Jamie continued to volunteer at Greenway House for several weeks after his required time but is now taking a break before starting the DoE Silver Award.

Greenway House, is an estate on the River Dart near Galmpton in Devon, England. Once the home of the author Agatha Christie, it is now cared for by the National Trust. 

Taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award aims to empower young people and support them to learn new skills, overcome obstacles and build confidence and resilience.  HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh first considered the idea of a national programme to support young people’s development in the autumn of 1954 at the request of his inspiring former headmaster, Kurt Hahn.

Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy said:

“Everyone at Coombeshead is so proud of Jamie!  It’s brilliant that he has been recognised in this way for going above and beyond as a volunteer.  At Coombeshead Academy our core values of Positive Attitude, Endeavour, Achievement, Community and Enrichment underpin all our decisions and interactions with students and families and Jame is absolutely embodying these values.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“Many congratulations on both his achievements with the Duke of Edinburgh Award and for being featured in The National Trust newsletter.  He has clearly made a great impact during his volunteering at Greenway House and it’s brilliant to see Coombeshead students making a real difference.”