Duke of Edinburgh Award

Many years ago, Cape Cornwall School’s commitment to outdoor education and youth development received a meaningful boost from the Rotary Club of Penzance. In a gesture of community support, Rotary President Bob Kirkup presented a cheque for £285 to pupils Amy Glenville and Laura Ellis on behalf of the school’s ‘Cape Outdoors’ initiative.

The donation helped strengthen the school’s involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, which had been reintroduced the previous year by dedicated teachers Dani Long and Paul Kellas. Targeted at students in Years 9, 10, and 11, the programme aimed to foster resilience, teamwork, and personal growth through the Bronze Award pathway.

At the time, the first cohort of Year 11 students was preparing to receive their Bronze Awards, having completed the four required sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. The programme demanded a minimum of three months’ commitment to each of the first three areas, along with planning and undertaking a two-day, one-night expedition.

Recognising the long-term value of such a programme, our Club responded swiftly to the school’s request for assistance. Their support reflected Rotary’s enduring mission to empower young people and uplift communities - both locally and globally. In addition to backing international efforts such as tsunami relief, the End Polio Now campaign, and ShelterBox hurricane response, Rotarians have long played a vital role in nurturing grassroots projects that benefit youth and the disadvantaged.

This moment stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between schools and service organisations, and to the lasting impact of investing in the potential of young people.