Students honoured with International Award for Young People

On 12 November, Year 10 and 11 students at Senior School Voorschoten were honoured as recipients of the International Award for Young People (Duke of Edinburgh International Award).

A total of 94 Bronze and 69 Silver awards were presented during the ceremony by Pascalle Cup (National Director of the International Award for Young People), Kieran Earley (BSN CEO/Principal), Paul Topping (Head Teacher SSV), and Sarah Dixon (Assistant Head Teacher of Student Leadership and Well Being). It was an incredible number of students who have qualified for these awards this year, which speaks to the dedication, hard work and resilience of these young adults.

The International Award for Young People challenges students to push themselves and get involved in their community, with a minimum time commitment of 6 months for Bronze and 12 months for Silver. Students must fulfill qualifications in the following areas: volunteering and service, participating in sport, developing an individual talent, and completing a group expedition.  These areas are about challenging students to develop themselves holistically, try activities they might not have done otherwise, and grow within their communities.

Students shared some examples of ways they fulfilled their award qualifications during the ceremony. Volunteering in a local rugby league, committing to excel in taekwondo and reminiscing on a challenging but rewarding multi-day trek with classmates were among the stories students shared of how participating in the award enriched them. Head Teacher Paul Topping closed the ceremony urging students to display their lapel buttons proudly during their future university and job interviews, as it is a true testament to their dedication and achievement during school.

Thank you not only to the students, but to their parents, teachers and staff who have been involved in this award process over the past year and made it all possible. Best of luck to the students striving for the silver or gold award over the course of the next year!