'Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' for John Whitgift Academy students

Dozens of young people from Grimsby will explore the Lake District from a new outdoor learning centre as part of prestigious awards scheme.

John Whitgift Academy will take its 45 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students to Patterdale, on the edge of Ullswater, after its Trust bought premises previously owned by the Youth Hostel Association. Principal Rob Spendlow said the purchase by Delta Academies Trust had created much excitement among students and staff.

“We will be offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our students,” he said. “This is a big deal for the Trust and for John Whitgift Academy.

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“Patterdale is in a fabulous location, right on the edge of Ullswater. “The Trust has decided it will be the main base for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is fantastic for us because we have seen a resurgence in numbers taking up the scheme,” he said.

The centre is set in four acres with a river and wetlands and hosts a huge variety of wildlife, including rare birds and red squirrels. Delta completed the purchase earlier this year and has been granted planning permission to transform it into a high quality residential experience for up to 90 young people.

John Whitgift students have also gained positive experiences from trips to the Trust’s first outdoor learning centre at Dallowgill, in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. Mr Spendlow said: “These are fantastic opportunities the Trust offers its students.

“The new centre is a short walk to the shore of Ullswater and the villages of Patterdale and Glenridding, where walks along Striding Edge to the top of Helvellyn and many other peaks begin. The location allows the Trust to offer more adventurous and challenging activities, appealing to our students and of particular interest to those on our popular Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.”

The programme has grown from 13 students in 2021 – when it was relaunched at John Whitgift – to the present day 45. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award focuses on improved skills in a chosen topic, better physical health and undertaking a voluntary role within the community.

The culmination of the bronze award, offered to students in Year 9, is a two-day, one-night expedition and, for those Year 10’s taking silver, a two-night three-day expedition, said the school’s Duke of Edinburgh manager Paul Tufnell. Gold is taken when they leave the academy.

“The scheme has gone from strength to strength from its relaunch in 2021 after a five-year absence,” said Paul. He thanked Matthew McLaughlin, the scheme’s original manager who stepped down after promotion but continues to be a DofE leader.

Paul took up the reins two years ago. "We have had tremendous support from the DofE’s Award, Delta Academies Trust and our Principal Mr Spendlow,” he said.

Five more staff volunteers have joined the team to deliver “a fantastic national programme”. “This year, at 45, is our largest cohort and proves the DofE is highly regarded and appreciated by students and their parents/carers.

“The academy and Trust understand the opportunities that come from such a wonderful programme and give many of the students life skills that will hold them in good stead moving forward,” added Paul.