In today’s Thursday Thought, we were delighted to be joined by six Old Vikings; Georgina Stebbings, Rhys Ash, Ellen Hodson, Austin Burnand, Tayla Caldeira and Dan Antsey who all spoke to pupils about their experiences of the Duke of Edinburgh programme.
Georgina Stebbings
Georgina left Shiplake in 2019 is currently studying business and management at Bristol UWE.
It is the most rewarding thing I have done. It was hard but the reward I got from it was so good. A highlight for me was going to St James’ Palace to receive my award from Prince Edward. It is really good for your CV, people can see you are dedicated and that you persevere. The expeditions in Wales and Scotland were hard but amazing. I also learnt some new skills like shooting and loved it!
Rhys Ash
Former Joint Head of College Rhys left Shiplake in 2020. He is studying veterinary science at Nottingham University.
The elements of DofE that I enjoyed most were the expedition and the residential. For the expedition we went kayaking in Scotland in Loch Ness. There were some big waves which were pretty scary, but it was a great experience for putting trust in the people around you. I am really glad I did something so challenging.
For the residential, I wanted to do something that supported my university application to study veterinary science. So I found a wildlife sanctuary in Bali to volunteer in. I had to get a job to pay for the trip but it was 100% worth it. I did beach cleans, planted mangroves and worked for a week in a sanctuary where I looked after crocodiles, monkeys and even a bear that had been rescued from a circus. It certainly gave me lots to talk about in my interview for university. Doing DofE makes you stand out and puts you ahead of lots of other people.
Ellen Hodson
Ellen is studying sociology and social policy at Birmingham. She left Shiplake in 2020.
Canoeing on an expedition in Scotland really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was great doing it with lots of friends around me - friends I wouldn’t have made had I not done the programme. I worked in video production for my residential and I worked in a kids club for the volunteering element.
I think if you do the DofE you become more of an interesting person in interviews. The highlight for me was the views of Scotland, it was so beautiful.
Austin Burnand
Austin left Shiplake in 2017. He graduated from Royal Holloway with a degree in Geography in 2020. He is now working for a talent acquisition company called AMS.
For me the DofE was about personal development. It gets you to do something that you wouldn’t do on a day to day basis. It helps you improve in different areas. For me it made me more confident, independent and resilient, and I have so many amazing memories.
I kayaked from Fort William to Inverness, and I would do it again, it was so much fun. For the residential, I went cross country skiing in Norway, it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in my life.
Tayla Calderia
Tayla is studying medicine at the University of Buckingham.She left Shiplake in 2018.
I think doing the DofE added a unique string to my bow and made me stand out. Volunteering in a care home impacted me the most. Just being there and talking to the elderly patients and seeing how the nurses and medical staff cared for them really fuelled my passion for pursuing a career in medicine.
It also helped me to step out of my comfort zone. I joined the choir and sang a solo at the carol concert! For sports, DofE helped me to become captain of the netball team.
The kayaking expedition taught me resilience. It made me proud that I didn’t give up and it has given me amazing memories and profound personal growth.
Dan Anstey
Dan left Shiplake in 2019. He is currently studying architecture at Cardiff University.
The DofE helps you develop the soft skills you need for the world beyond school. Things like team work, leadership and using your own initiative. It helps you stand out from your peers, gives you confidence and encourages you to learn new skills and hobbies. I took up the guitar and have never looked back! I did sailing for my residential which was good fun, but the highlight was the kayaking in Scotland expedition. It was challenging, there was lots of team work but unfortunately no sightings of the Loch Ness Monster!
Mr Steve Macpherson, DofE Manager, said: “Thank you to everyone for joining us today - I couldn’t have said it better myself! I look forward to seeing lots of pupils in September at the DofE enrolment.”
