Headmaster Peter Fraser presented Year 11 pupil Jo Mooney with his Bronze Award Duke of Edinburgh certificate and badge at the beginning of term assembly.

	Jo Mooney coming forward to receive his D of E Bronze Award from the Headmaster

Jo is the first pupil in recent times to gain a Duke of Edinburgh award. Dr. Dawson revived this scheme in the school just over a year ago and the Headmaster commended the scheme as it is highly regarded by employers and university tutors demonstrating a young person’s willingness to take up a challenge, to persevere and achieve across a broad range of activities. The Headmaster added that he was sure that this would be the first of many Duke of Edinburgh awards at Colston's.

	Jo Mooney receiving his award from the Headmaster

As part of their Bronze Award an intrepid group of Year 10 pupils went to the picturesque setting of Hay on Wye on Wednesday 27th August to undertake a day of kayak training. This was the first of 3 training days leading up to their practice expedition next year. Under the expert guidance of Dan from River Strokes Kayak School, the pupils were introduced to the basic skills of controlling their boats on the water. Despite the cold wind, good progress was made by all the pupils who are now looking forward to their first river trip at the start of November.