Students at St Andrew’s Academy are cycling their way towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards thanks to the efforts of dedicated staff members.
The Derby-based secondary school, which provides high-quality education to learners with special educational needs and disabilities, is holding a cycling fundraiser to buy new equipment to enable students to undertake the awards.
Head Teacher, David Braybrooke, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh awards reap great rewards for our students, but a lot of equipment is required and this comes at a cost.
“We want to enable all our students to access the programme, no matter their starting point, and so we are aiming to raise the funds necessary to allow this.”
To ensure students have the equipment they need, one brave staff member is embarking on a 300-mile bike ride to raise funds, with students joining virtually from the school.
Daniel Tranter, the Duke of Edinburgh Manager at the school, will be setting off on the journey on Thursday 30th March alongside his father Kevin Tranter, with the pair climbing 12000ft while going through places such as Carsington Water, the Tissington trail, Ashbourne, Tittesworth reservoir and Buxton.
Students will virtually join the cycle using exercise bikes linked to mapping software at the school, enabling all those involved in the awards to participate in the challenge.
Mr Tranter commented: “It will be a tough ride, but one that is worth the hard work. Our students deserve the very best and we are committed to breaking down any barriers that stand in their way – or should I say cycling down!
“I hope this bike ride inspires others. I can’t wait to see our students complete the awards and achieve their goals. Seeing them progress through the awards and the smiles it brings will make the long journey worthwhile.”
Key stage 4 and 5 students at the school have been working hard towards their bronze and silver awards which assist students in developing independence, building on problem solving skills and learning new skills that will help prepare them for adulthood.
School staff have seen the great progress students undertaking the awards programme have been making and are striving to raise £5000 to enable this to continue. All proceeds will go towards buying tents, rucksacks and other hiking equipment, as well as used to cover the costs of camp sites and travel for the expeditions, enabling all students to access the awards programme.
To support the school and their students in achieving their target and completing the Duke of Edinburgh awards, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/st-andrews-cycle-for-d-of-e