Aureus School pupils clock over 600 Hours of volunteering through DofE

More than 600 hours of volunteering have been given by pupils at one of our secondary schools as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the figure is set to grow as more young people take part.

The group of 52 young people at Aureus School has completed a range of activities as part of the award - a figure that equates to £4,076 according to the DofE.  With more taking part in the award scheme each year, the number is set to increase.

“Originally I was only meant to volunteer for three months. I started in November 2024 and was meant to finish in February, but I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t notice that I spent more time volunteering than I needed to,” said Megan, 14, who is working towards a Bronze DofE.

“I visit the Oxford Manor Care Home every Friday afternoon between 4pm and 5pm after school. It is walking distance and it is a great way to kickstart my weekend by being able to visit - and even though I haven’t known them long, it really feels as though I have,” she added.

The school’s award manager and Head of PE, Rob Hayden, said: “It is fantastic that the DofE enables the  participants to give back to the local community and seeing how much they do, and commit to these great causes is fantastic. Megan is one of many examples of the amazing things our young participants do.”

“It changes lives and communities for the better - that’s why it’s an integral part of the DofE programme. We’re so proud of all the young people at Aureus School who have dedicated their time and energy to helping others in their community,” said Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.