Foundation Learning Student Receives Ultimate Award 

Foundation Learning student Kieran Wilson has achieved a first for the Foundation Learning Department, completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Having completed his Bronze and Silver award at Mayfield special school, Kieran arrived with us in September 2018 with the clear aspiration of achieving his Gold award here at Newman. 

Kieran completed the voluntary requirements of the award – litter picking at Moor Park and working on our elderly gardens project, assisting local elderly residents with garden maintenance. The physical aspect of the award was a fitness block in PE and his skills component was weekly sessions learning the skill of yoga. Kieran attended his 5-day residential at Calvert Trust in the Lake District and his practice expedition in 2019. 

Coronavirus struck in 2020 and our other Gold award students were not able to complete their award. Kieran, however remained in the faculty another year and has achieved his goal of completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award during his final year with us. 

Foundation Learning Teacher Brett Longstaff said: “The staff and students in Foundation Learning are exceptionally proud of Kieran. His upbeat and passionate approach to the award has been a joy to see, we have loved his motivational speeches and enthusiasm which has an amazing effect on everyone around him.” 

Kieran will be invited to travel to London to receive his award at a special ceremony, in a very special year for the program with the recent passing of Prince Phillip who established the award. 

Well done Kieran, you have done everyone at Cardinal Newman very proud.