Steve Darling MP visits Torquay Academy to learn about the impact of DofE
Students at Torquay Academy shared how the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has helped them build confidence, develop new skills and make a difference in their community during a visit from Torbay MP Steve Darling.
Torbay MP Steve Darling visited Torquay Academy to hear first-hand how students are benefitting from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, from developing new skills to making a positive impact locally.
In the Torbay constituency, 691 young people started a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award last year, 131 being from Torquay Academy alone.
The Academy offers all three levels of DofE and the students complete the Award as part of the school’s wider Adventure Academy programme.
This gives students access to outdoor activities including climbing, kayaking and mountain biking.
During the visit, students spoke to Mr Darling about the positive impact DofE has had on their lives and the wider community.
They shared stories from their expeditions, discussed their volunteering and reflected on how taking part in the Award has helped them develop new skills and grow in confidence.
Grace, who is doing her Gold DofE at Torquay Academy said: “I had a really nice time meeting Steve Darling MP, he was lovely to speak to, and it was fun talking about my DofE Experience - I have completed Bronze and Silver, and I just started my Gold.”
“Doing DofE through RAF Cadets has boosted my leadership qualities.”
“I’ve also increased my knowledge of different skills with musical theatre, and it has kept me fit and active with rock climbing.”
Grace said that she would recommend DofE to anyone and added: “The expeditions were great chances to spend time with my friends in nature, without phones, and to build camping skills.”
“They were also a great way to exercise.”
When reflecting on his visit to Torquay Academy, Mr Darling said: "It was a real pleasure to visit Torquay Academy to see DofE in action.”
“I know opportunities for young people to socialise and enjoy activities out of their own home are limited in Torbay, which is why the DofE programme is so vital."
In order to achieve their DofE, young people aged 12-24 choose activities in four sections.
This includes improving a physical and skills activity, volunteering for a cause of their choice and completing an expedition.
According to data from DofE, the award has become incredibly popular in the last five years, with a record-breaking 1.6 million young people beginning their DofE in the UK between April 2021 and March 2026.
This marks a 27% growth in comparison to 2016-2021.
The participants have also contributed 21 million hours of volunteering, making a positive impact for communities across the UK.
This ranges from helping at food banks and care homes, coaching sports, mentoring younger children, to supporting the NHS and litter picking.
The volunteering completed across the UK is said to be worth an estimated total value of over £130 million.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is having a positive impact on young people’s lives across the UK, including the students at Torquay Academy.
The organisation hopes to equip more than 2 million young people with skills for life and work by 2031.