April 2015 Mail Out

Spring is in full swing: the sun is out, the trees are in bloom and it's socially acceptable to start wearing shorts again. What's more, expedition season has begun! We've a host of Assessor requests to sit alongside our latest news, which includes pictures from our latest GAP, new training course dates and an update on AAP licences. Read on!

Expedition Requests in London Bronze Expedition Requires Assessor The Bridge Academy seeks an Assessor for their Bronze expedition on 10th and 11th July in the Chalfont St Peter area. Please contact Katie Reader atKatie.Reader@bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk for further information. Looking For A Silver Lining Silver level participant Huseyin Cizer has completed his practice expedition and is looking to join a qualifying expedition. Please email him at h.cizer@hotmail.co.uk if you have space available for him to join an upcoming expedition. I Left My Heart in Epping Forest A Bronze cohort from Heartlands High School is looking for an Assessor to accompany them on their qualifying expedition to Epping Forest on 13th & 14th July. If you can help or know anyone who may be able to, please contact Victoria Mudd at victoria.mudd@heartlands.haringey.sch.uk. Stoked For Expedition Season A qualifying Expedition Assessor from Stoke Newington School requires a supported assessment to complete his qualification prior to their school's expedition at the end of May. If you know of any upcoming open expeditions they may be able to join, please get in touch with William.Owhor@sns.hackney.sch.uk.

Additional Needs Updates Additional Needs Annual Report In April we will be producing our first DofE London Additional Needs Annual Report, showcasing all of the fantastic work that is going on across London with young people who have additional needs. Additional Needs Network Meeting The next Additional Needs Network Meeting – focusing on the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections - will be on Thursday 23rd April 2015, 5:00-6:45pm at Victoria Charity Centre. Find minutes of previous meetings here. If you would like to attend the above meeting or have something to share in the Annual Report you can find more information here or by emailing Hayley.Hyman@DofE.org.           Open expeditions - don't miss a trip! The London Region will again be running a selection of open expeditions for Bronze, Silver and Gold participants from London. These expeditions are aimed at participants who may have missed a locally run trip or were not able to take part last year. More detailed information (including prices, dates and locations) can be found on our website and these downloads:Bronze, Silver & Gold. Please note, participants will need to visit the London Office for a briefing and complete route planning for the qualifying expedition. Places are allocated on a first to book basis. For further information (excluding Gold training & practice) please email Leanne.Chapman@DofE.org or call 020 7630 9092.

Alice Beer presents Gold Award Certificates to London participants at St. James's Palace On the 25th March 58 young people from across London congregated at St. James's Palace to receive their Gold Award Certificates and meet our Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. TV journalist and radio personality Alice Beer was on hand to present the Awards and delivered an uplifting speech to the participants. You can see more photos from the event on DofE London's Facebook page. While you're there, why not 'Like' us as well?

Unlicensed AAPs The following AAPs are no longer licensed to deliver DofE programmes: True Adventure Limited Rob Platt Expeditions Sunrise Bushcraft Wildside Activity Centre The Kepplewray Project NSPCC Don’t forget to check the status of any AAPs you are using – for an up-to-date list of providers check the comprehensive page on DofE London's site.            Upcoming courses in London We are offering the following upcoming training courses at the DofE London Regional Office: Expedition Assessors Accreditation Scheme (21/05/2015) Introduction to the DofE for Leaders (23/06/2015) Expedition Supervisor Training Course (04/06/2015) For more information on any of these courses please visit our website or contact Lucy.McKay@DofE.org.           Get schooled on your DofE knowledge We recently updated our "Schools and the DofE" flyer with all the latest information and statistics relating to the DofE and all the benefits it can provide to teachers, students and organisations alike. Check it out here and share it among your network to spread the word about the DofE!

And that's it for this month! Have you got anything you'd like to share with the rest of London? Send your items along to Mark.Allen@DofE.org before 18th April and the Mail Out Monks will endeavour to include it in the next edition. Goodbye for now from DofE London!