Milton Award - Term 2 - Dinosaurs & DofE

Milton Award - Term 2 - Dinosaurs and Duke of Edinburgh!

Participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), engaging in music performances, and attending academic lectures all play a significant role in helping students achieve well both personally and academically.

The DofE programme, in particular, encourages young people to push themselves through physical challenges, community service, skillbuilding, and expedition work. Successfully completing a DofE award is an impressive accomplishment, demonstrating commitment and determination. These qualities not only enhance personal confidence but are also recognised and valued by universities and employers. It has been great to see so many students in year 10 taking part in D of E activities this term.

Similarly, involvement in music performances offers students a platform to express creativity and develop discipline. Whether they are part of a choir, orchestra, band, or performing solo, preparing for and delivering a musical performance requires dedication and consistent practice. Students strengthen their concentration, collaboration, and time-management skills. Performing in front of an audience also builds self-assurance and provides a sense of achievement. Music enriches school life and allows students to share their talents with the wider community, fostering both personal pride and collective celebration. At GGS we have a great number of students who are taking part in music activities and representing the school with pride. This is brilliant to see.

Attending academic lectures—whether at school, through enrichment programmes, or at universities—opens students’ minds to new ideas and areas of knowledge. Exposure to expert speakers helps broaden intellectual horizons and inspires curiosity in subjects they may not have previously considered. Engaging with advanced concepts encourages critical thinking and deepens understanding, giving students insight into potential career paths and higher-education opportunities. This term we have been lucky enough to have hosted three lectures. These have all been very well attended. You can see the posters in the article. Next term we will be hosting lectures on the topics of warfare and the music industry.

EJR