Gold DofE

10th November 2020

One of lasts year’s Post 16 students recently completed their gold DofE award. He is actually the first person to complete his Gold DofE award, whilst also completing his basic naval training.

Will started his Gold DofE Award in Year 12 and made good progress throughout his time at Helston Community College. During Year 13 Will was approaching the end of his award, we were attempting to find a residential placement, in order for him to complete his DofE. This was proving difficult because of exams and other commitments, then lock down restrictions were implemented which put a halt to our efforts.

Will approached the Navy to ask if he could use his Initial Naval Training to complete this section, they kindly agreed. Normally this would not be permitted but Mr Semmens asked them to reconsider the rules on this occasion. The Head of DofE took all into consideration and said that due to the exceptional circumstances they would allow it on this one occasion.

Will completed his Gold D of E award at HMS Raleigh marking the beginning of Naval Training and start of his career. Naval Recruits are required to conduct a number of activities everyday over a 10 week training period. Evening activities include: Kit preparation, Physical Training, Maritime Training, Navigation training, 3 x Military Exercises, sleeping under canvas. Skills will include teamwork, how to work under pressure and duress, marksmanship, rope climbing, rope tying, how to read/use a map and compass, casualty care and evacuation, team organisation, command and control of situations, how to wash and iron kit. Will also he passed his Initial Training at HMS Raleigh. He is now in Phase 2 training learning the technical side of his job at HMS Collingwood.

We are delighted that Will has completed his award. We wish him the best of luck with his future endeavor in the Royal Navy.

Dave Semmons