BREAKING OUT A
mber started her DofE programme in September 2015. She was initially very shy, self-contained and reticent. This was no surprise when you consider that during her initial years at Chosen Hill School, Amber’s low self- esteem and lack of confidence lead her to become a voluntarily mute – hardly speaking to anyone for over two years. During the initial expedition skills training sessions, the only response I could get from Amber was a smile or an inaudible, almost whispered, monosyllabic “yes” or “no”. More often than not, I would just get a shy smile. However, over time, and greatly encouraged by her team mates, Amber began to grow in confidence. A turning point came whilst struggling under the weight of a heavy pack in the steep, snowy valleys of the Welsh Black Mountains last spring. She realised that, with resilience, the motivation to succeed, the support of her team mates and her DofE Instructors she could successfully achieve her Gold Award. Amber passed her British Heart Foundation Heart Start course, which was no mean feat as she had to explain what she was doing at every stage of the process to the examiners.
Wider skills
Meanwhile, she began volunteering at a local library. This further encouraged her to interact with library users and staff, all the time building her self-confidence. She continued to develop her skills at the piano for her skill.
DofE Magazine Issue 27: SUMMER 2017
“The DofE has really benefited me over the last year. I definitely feel like
I have grown as a person. Sometimes it has been hard, but it has all been worth it. The feeling of achievement when finishing the expedition was overwhelming and I would definitely recommend DofE to those who really want to challenge themselves.” Amber
Ian Bird is Lead teacher of Economics, Business and ICT, and DofE Manager at Chosen Hill School, Gloucestershire. He is often asked how the DofE can make a difference to students. One of his Gold participants, Amber, is a shining example...
Because her self-belief was much
stronger, Amber met the challenge of her qualifying expedition head-on. Hiking through the Central Brecon Beacons, enduring a range of weather conditions, Amber demonstrated that she had become a confident, active member of the team, making decisions, issuing instructions and taking her turn to lead. The transition from a voluntary mute to a self-confident young person, equipped to cope well in modern society, was affirmed at the expedition presentation evening. Amber stood up in front of an audience of over 100 parents, teachers and students and played her part in presenting the report. She bravely shared her own personal reflections of the expedition with sincerity and humour.
Transferable skills
Amber’s earlier school grades could have been higher except for what her teachers report as her lack of confidence to discuss her ideas in open class. Midway through year 12,
corresponding to Amber’s experience in the Black Mountains, things started to change. Amber has now improved her predicted grades in two out of her three A levels and none of her current teachers are reporting a lack of confidence in the classroom.
I firmly believe the DofE has, without doubt, played a significant role in building Amber’s confidence. As a result, Amber has the self-belief, confidence and determination to have a truly successful and fulfilling career and make a positive contribution to wider society.
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