Life at Colyton Grammar

Dipesh P, who left Colyton Grammar School last year, was recently presented with his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award in an event held at Buckingham Palace. 

Dipesh took to the Palace's West Terrace to share his Duke of Edinburgh story with around 2,000 other young award winners, talking about how DofE helped him to overcome his shyness and gave him the confidence to try new things. 

He said 'In Year 9, I didn't want to talk to anyone outside of my friendship group. But DofE made me do it, multiple times, and each time talking to new people and making friends become easier and more enjoyable... Before DofE, I hated doing sports. But knowing that I had to do the physical section, I signed up for various activities including shotput, judo and even rugby. Was I good? No. Did I enjoy it? Actaully... Yeah! DofE made me realise that it doesn't matter if you're good at something or not, you can enjoy sports for the social aspect. I made lots of new friends, and it led to new skills and hobbies that I never would have tried without DofE'.