Students First To Receive Peak District Award
13 January 2012
The students out in the Peak District clearing the Tissington Trail
The Award has so far given these students the chance to work on some fantastic projects in the outdoors
”Lecturer on the Learning for Living and Work programme, Peter Johnson.
A pioneering group of Buxton College students are doing vital work in the Peak District National Park; gaining a new Award as they do so.
The 24 'Learning for Living and Work' (formerly Step 2) students, have been piloting the Peak District National Park Authority's newly developed Peak District Award - which celebrates people's knowledge of the park's special qualities, such as its wildlife, plants and local history.
It has been introduced by the Park Authority to encourage people to find out about the place and earn recognition for their achievements.
The scheme has been piloted by the 15 to 19-year-olds from Buxton College as well as school children from Longnor and Flash and Edale primary schools.
The youngsters chose a special quality and studied it for at least ten hours with the help of national park rangers and the learning discovery team. They took part in conservation activities, such as scrub clearing on the Tissington Trail, making it easier for walkers and cyclists to pass.
They received their Peak District Award certificates in a ceremony held at the College's very own iconic Dome on January 12.
Tony Favell, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, who presented the awards, said: "It was good to hear that these young people have learnt something new about the National Park and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. I hope it will inspire them to do even more and get involved in helping to look after this wonderful place.
"The pilot scheme has proved a great success and we are looking forward to more schools taking part in the year ahead."
Lecturer on the Learning for Living and Work programme, Peter Johnson, said: "The Award has so far given these students the chance to work on some fantastic projects in the outdoors. This has inspired confidence and self esteem, and aided their team building skills. I know they have all enjoyed it very much so far."
Following the successful pilot scheme the Peak District Award is now open to any schools, within the National Park and beyond, and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
