Fresh Start and Foundation students reach new heights with Duke of Edinburgh Silver awards

I think that having a person-centred plan and approach, based on everyone’s abilities and needs has worked well for us.” Tanya Knight, Fresh Start and Foundation Tutor

Fresh Start and Foundation students at Coleg Sir Gâr are celebrating achieving their Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) awards and for the first time in a number of years, many have chosen to challenge their skills even further and completed the silver award.

With a regular flow of annual bronze awards, students rose to the challenge of pushing their resilience to the next step and as a result, around 10 students have achieved silver and 25 have achieved bronze.

Fresh Start and Foundation courses offer additional support and mentoring for those who aren’t sure about their education pathway or have some challenges they need support with. 

As part of the DoE volunteering section, silver award participants have worked with the Fathom Trust, National Botanic Garden of Wales and Salvation Army.

Those completing their bronze awards spent two days and one night at Pembrey Country Park where they were joined by the silver award participants who provided peer mentoring and support and utilised the activity as a practice expedition for Brecon.

The silver qualifier expedition saw students camp within the Brecon Beacons for three days and two nights.

Tanya Knight, lecturer in Foundation Studies said: “By taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, students have completely changed their perspectives as they gained more confidence, teamwork and experience.

“I think that having a person-centred plan and approach, based on everyone’s abilities and needs has worked well for us.”

Steve Bird, Fresh Start and Foundation lecturer added: “This year’s Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition 2025 smashed my expectations. 

“We witnessed students breaking through personal limits, working as a team, and gaining a sense of achievement that extends far beyond the certificate. 

“The group took on the challenge of walking the Taff Trail from Brecon to Parkwood Centre through rain and sunshine. 

“The blisters will fade, but the memories and laughter will remain. 

“You have proved to yourselves that you’re stronger, braver, and more capable than you thought and capable of amazing things. Well done silver team, you smashed it.”

Kayleigh Brading, Be Active Wellbeing coordinator said: “Huge congratulations to our Silver DofE team.

“It’s been amazing to watch your journey - from taking on the bronze award to stepping up and smashing your silver.

“Your commitment, teamwork, and growing confidence have really stood out. The skills you’ve developed and the initiative you’ve shown throughout have been brilliant to see.

“We’re excited to see how you take everything you’ve learned and apply it to your everyday lives and future challenges. Da iawn, pawb.”