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Societies and Activities

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Charity Drive

a storm (or is that a blizzard?) and raised crucial funds for PHAB. The Charity Drive Team spent the evening prior to the Bazaar making sure that everything would run smoothly. The games were all set up in the Common Room, the Maths Corridor had a festive redecoration, and the Spencer Leeson Room was replaced by Santa’s Grotto. Our first large event of the year ran very smoothly, although Father Christmas eventually ran out of toys to give to the children! Our annual 24 Hours of Music – our first insomniac event of the year, soon to be followed by the Sleepout – saw many students demonstrating their musical talents across several venues in the School in aid of PHAB. The music played throughout the day was impressive, and we are sure that the same went for the night, even though much of it went unheard by much of the School population (except the teachers giving up parts of their night to supervise). A bitterly cold January was the backdrop to our annual Sleepout in support of New Hope Watford (a charity which builds relationships and offers support to people who are homeless) for which everyone had to sleep inside, but which saw our biggest ever turnout. Before the boys attempted to get some shuteye, we had, amongst other activities including a movie, Mario Kart and chess, a ‘rave’ in the Chaplaincy Centre hosted by DJ Rash and Mr Murray. Boys then retired to their sleeping bags and stairwells, although not everyone had a great night’s sleep, with one report of a close encounter with mice forcing a

of the participants. They also gave words of advice to the Gold recipients about the future, and encouraged them to continue taking on further challenges, whether it be at university, in the workplace, or in social situations. I recognise and am grateful to the dedicated staff members who provide essential support to all the participants during Field Days and Expeditions. Their active involvement in teaching campcraft and navigation skills, planning routes, guiding the boys on day walks, and supervising them on Expeditions is very much appreciated. Without their contribution, it would be impossible to deliver the programme. I hope many more will complete their Awards next year and continue the journey from Bronze to Gold. Mr J. E. Firestone, Head of DofE Charity Drive It was a busy, at times exhausting, but nevertheless extremely rewarding year for the Charity Drive team as we supported New Hope Watford, Dogs Trust and the Disasters Emergency Committee, amongst several others. Our Christmas Bazaar – featuring Santa’s Grotto, games in the Common Room and stalls in the Exam Hall – went down

Langley. The other half were transported to Whipsnade Zoo, from where they trekked southbound to the same campsite. The following day, the boys continued in the same direction, either ending up at MTS or Whipsnade Zoo. ADTREX, our Approved Activity Provider for the Gold Expeditions, delivered a mix of classroom theory and practical sessions at School on the March Field Day. The sixteen boys covered basic outdoor first aid and campcraft skills. On the April Field Day, they planned their Practice and Qualifying Expedition routes. The June half term break saw the groups set off for their Practice Expedition in the Brecon Beacons and in August, they will complete their Qualifying Expedition in Snowdonia. The DofE award is continually evolving and expanding its provision, especially to marginalised young people. Their aim is to support one million participants by 2026. Consequently, with the increase in numbers, the previous format of Gold Award Presentations has been turned into a large-scale event. In May, five MTS Gold recipients, each accompanied by a family member, were given their Awards by the newly conferred Duke of Edinburgh in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. HRH Prince Edward spoke to the crowds after tea and cupcakes had been served, and guest speakers gave motivational talks, recognising the exceptional achievement

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