Lt-Governor given a taste of DofE awards

They were given a tour of the school and a camping-style cup of tea and seat in the redesigned canteen.

Silver Duke of Edinburgh students Lily Coutanche, 14, and Mason Torode, 15, had the task of braving the wind to pitch a tent in front of the Lt-Governor, but Mason’s seven years of Scouting experience helped them through.

‘It’s a little bit nerve-wracking pitching the tent in front of the Governor and the wind isn’t helping,’ Mason said.

‘The last tents we used were a lot harder but these are new ones.’

Nearly 40 students from St Sampson’s will be going to Sark for their practice expedition in a few weeks.

Also showing the skills learnt through DofE, David Wallis, 15, had the task of using a Trangia portable stove to make the Lt-Governor a cup of tea.

‘I was quite confident as I’ve done this a lot before,’ he said.

‘I continue with DofE because I enjoy the expedition and camping with my friends.’

After seeing the camping skills of the students, the Lt-Governor spoke to members of the school council to see the work they had been doing on the canteen.

American-diner style furniture, including seating and a jukebox, have been installed, starting the transformation of the lunch area.

Artwork and graffiti by the students has brightened up the area, and the lunch window has been decorated as a beach shack.

‘Our next step is to improve the queues and to provide some healthier lunch options,’ said school council member Arwen Langlois, 14.

‘We also want to include gluten-free, dairy-free and meat-free options to accommodate everyone.’

The Lt-Governor said that it had been a pleasure to visit the school.

‘It’s been a real delight to talk to the students and learn how positive they are about their experience and the changes the school council is trying to make for everyone’s benefit,’ he said.

‘The Duke of Edinburgh take-up is fantastic, nearly 40 people going to Sark for their expedition.’

He also sat in on some lessons to see the progress it has made.