Royal School, Armagh

This has been a great year for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with a record 27 pupils achieving their Silver Award and 16 completing all the aspects of the Gold Award.
It is hoped that some of the successful Silver pupils will commence their Gold Award soon. Those that participated in the Gold Award have now left school but it is hoped that they will maintain a keen interest in the Award as they get older.

In September, 28 pupils started their Silver Award and a large group of 29 commenced Gold; this was possible since the majority of the boys sourced their own expedition due to a clash with the Australian rugby tour.

The year began with the now annual Table Quiz in which 64 teams took part, resulting in the school hall being packed with eager pupils all hoping to win the top prizes. Many thanks go to Mr Shufflebottom (question master) and all the other staff who helped out, the table quiz couldn’t function without their help. The top three teams this year were ‘!’, ‘question mark’ and ‘the simon carlisle expense featuring Dixie’ with ‘excuse me sir sir excuse me’ coming in last place, better luck next year!

As usual Constable Black has been his helpful self and did a tremendous job educating all the pupils about the Police and their role around Northern Ireland. The visit to the Police Station was interesting and the unfulfilled hope that Claire and her friends would get locked in a cell resulted in me leaving the Newry Road feeling disappointed. All pupils have been working at their own Physical and Skill section. During the spring months we have been training for the Expedition and learning how to survive for 3 days in the hills. The expedition went well and they all arrived back in Armagh safe and well.

The expedition took place in the Mournes in June 2009 and a big well done must go to all participants. I only hope they realise the enormity of the task they completed, and that the memories stay with them for a long time. It was great to see Mr Shufflebottom and Miss Hamilton up the mountains, their wisdom and conversation is unequalled in the six counties.

The Gold Award this year started with enthusiasm and all pupils involved actively started their physical, service and skill sections while planning their residential project.
The expedition this year returned to Scotland, the destination of the first Gold assessment from the Royal School 9 years ago. The dreaded Scottish Midge was very much evident at the youth hostel on our first night away, but thankfully the following four days were glorious. Although the complaints of blistered feet, hunger and sore shoulders were common the excellent weather and midge free camping, meant the trip was one of the best expeditions so far.

I think you would agree that this experience involves a great deal of time and commitment, and the participant’s sense of achievement is well deserved. As usual I take this opportunity to thank Miss Hamilton, Miss Crozier, Mr Shufflebottom and Miss Robinson for all their help with the Award this year and look forward to another successful venture next year. DC