HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Visits Derwen College
This week, we had the incredible honour of welcoming His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to Derwen College.
On Tuesday, 18 March, the campus was buzzing with excitement as students, clients, staff, dignitaries, and supporters gathered to give His Royal Highness a warm welcome and show off our unique ‘Marketplace’ and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Outdoor Centre.
During his visit, His Royal Highness toured our Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Outdoor Centre. Students proudly showed off the skills they’ve learned as part of this amazing programme working towards their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. They demonstrated activities like boarding the canoe simulator, scaling the traversing wall, and cooking around the firepit. His Royal Highness even joined in by having a go on the climbing wall!
After that, The Duke of Edinburgh explored our Marketplace. He met students and staff working in the Garden Centre and Gift Shop and The Vintage Advantage charity shop, and even helped to make a Derwen College hamper.
A huge honour
To celebrate the occasion, we hosted a lunch in The Orangery Restaurant, with special guests including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner; Shropshire High Sheriff, Brian Welti; Oswestry Deputy Mayor Councillor Rosie Radford; and Shropshire Council Chairman, Councillor Vince Hunt. We were also joined by community and business members who have supported our students in various expeditions. Students from our Hospitality and Food pathway did an impeccable job serving food and drinks, and were professional at all times, despite the nerves!
The campus was alive with excitement, with everyone waving flags and sharing their experiences with His Royal Highness. This visit was a momentous one, being the first royal visit since 1994, when our patron, The Duchess of Kent, last attended.
‘Real-life training opportunities’
Our Principal and CEO, Meryl Green, summed up the day perfectly: “Having His Royal Highness visit was a huge honour for the whole college. We were thrilled to highlight the work we do to prepare young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for adult life. We were especially proud to showcase our fully accessible Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Outdoor Centre, which has been developed over the past decade, ensuring that young people with disabilities don’t miss out on the fantastic opportunities the scheme offers. It was also wonderful to show His Royal Highness our unique Marketplace, which is open to the public, and to demonstrate the real-life training opportunities it provides to our students. The visit was a fantastic occasion for everyone involved, highlighting the importance of the work we do every day to support young people with SEND.”
“I can’t wait to tell my family all about today.”
Students were over the moon to meet The Duke of Edinburgh. Student Council president Jonathan and deputy president Lizzie were proud to share the top table with him. Retail student Jonathan showed off his skills in the Garden Centre and Gift Shop by creating a hamper with The Duke, filled with Derwen College-made jams and chutneys. After a quick change, he joined the celebration lunch and later presented the Duke with a Derwen hamper. Jonathan said: “His Royal Highness asked me about my work in Retail and helped to make a hamper with me using a planogram. He put us all at ease. It was a really proud moment for me and for the College.”
Lizzie, who is working towards her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, showed The Duke the outdoor centre climbing wall. She said, “I was so nervous but he was lovely. He even had a go on the traversing wall and was really good at it. I can’t wait to tell my family all about today.”
Wonderful celebration
Derwen College Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Coordinator Steve Evans was proud to show The Duke around the College’s outdoor centre. He said: “Today was a proud moment for Derwen College. We’ve been taking part in Duke of Edinburgh Awards for 11 years now, and this is a wonderful celebration of all the hard work and commitment of students and staff over that time.”
The royal visit was a momentous occasion for the Derwen College community, celebrating the achievements of our students and clients, and reinforcing the importance of opportunities for young adults with SEND.
Bringing stories to life for World Book Day!
College was buzzing with creativity as students came together to celebrate World Book Day in style. With a mix of imagination, collaboration, and a sprinkle of digital magic, it was a day to remember.
From designing quirky book characters to creating hilarious group stories and dressing up, the students let their imaginations run wild, with a little help from Functional Skills and Digital Skills staff, as well as green screen wizardry and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Create a Book Character competition was a highlight, featuring nearly 50 entries from across our Gobowen, Telford, Walford, and Ludlow campuses. The characters were as varied as they were brilliant – from the ever-popular Harry Potter to a football-playing Gruffalo, Elton John, and a selection of monsters, some friendly, some fierce!
Students also teamed up to craft group stories that ranged from the wonderfully bonkers to the outright hilarious. There was a royal cat battling a magic chair, a pizza planet, and a purple monster named Barry.
Local author and poet Jan Hedger, an industry champion for Derwen College, had the challenging task of judging the individual and group entries. After plenty of laughs and careful deliberation, she crowned her winners:
Individual Book Characters:
First Place – ‘Groot’ by Luan Sinclair
I would like to meet Groot, with his cheeky, happy smile and I want to read his story. Use of colouring in different shades of brown, is clever, like the bark of a tree. There is a lot of movement in this illustration, brings Groot alive. Well done.
Second Place – All About Elton John & Ellie by Ellie Thomas
So good to choose and draw for the illustrated book cover, a famous character – not from a book or their own story, but a musician and to tell us all about Elton John & Ellie, like a biography. Good likeness as well.
Third Place – Ai image by Rhys Blackstock
Really like the imagination in the text to introduce the character and shape the story. Cheese, Banana & Pizza – a real feast to make a Superstar story!
Group Stories:
First Place – Dragon Ball Cat
Very good use of illustration and characters, especially the talking and moving chair. Reminded me of Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. I like the whole shape of the story and after falling out and fighting, they all became friends again. I like the extra touch of adding – to next time – Dragon Ball Cat – I can’t wait…
Second Place – Holiday That Went Wrong
This one made me laugh – so clever to use humour in the story – and to use animals and the way they act and communicate – excellent illustrations. I like the way of bringing the message of food allergies, which is important and DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME – I loved that message! Very good characters.
Third Place – David Saves The Day
This story took me on a Grand Tour of the Derwen complex! I really enjoyed my tour – especially the Woodland Walk. Derwen staff as your characters – is ingenious – I am sure the staff will love it as well, as I did.
Functional Skills Coordinator Leah Bamford and teacher Grace Amblin, dressed as Maleficent and Cruella De Vil for the occasion, couldn’t be prouder of the students’ efforts.
Leah said: “Reading and writing skills are important in everyday life. Events like these promote reading and writing for pleasure, which not only enhances literacy skills but also fosters creativity, social skills and builds confidence.”
A huge thank you to Jan for her expert judging and to all our students for bringing their incredible ideas to life. Together, we turned World Book Day into a celebration for everyone!”
Preparing for the future – Careers Week conference
As part of National Careers Week, students took part in our My Next Steps Conference, a two-day event designed to equip them with essential skills for the world of work.
Events such as the Next Steps Conference, combined with hands-on learning at our customer Marketplace – which includes a garden centre and gift shop, restaurant, café, charity shop, and mini hotel – play a crucial role in this preparation. We also partner with local and national businesses to offer regular work placements, supporting students towards future employment.
During the conference, final-year students engaged in a variety of workshops and activities aimed at supporting their career goals. These included interview preparation and practice, a dress to impress workshop, and the opportunity to meet the college’s expert Industry Champions.
The conference also featured inspiring talks from former students, who shared their post-college experiences. Arielle, from Warwickshire, spoke about her journey to independence. She has moved into supported living with a friend and is doing a catering course at a local college, utilising the Hospitality and Food skills she honed at Derwen College. Megan, another graduate, is gaining work experience at retailer Screwfix and is actively involved in an amateur dramatics group and choir, showcasing her Performing Arts talents.
Careers Week
Head of Curriculum Jennifer Fawcett-Jones thanked everyone who helped make the event such a success. She said: “Careers guidance is a vital part of our college curriculum. As well valuable work experience, students enjoy careers support, events and competitions.
“During Careers Week, it was wonderful to hear from former students Arielle and Megan, who have progressed into employment or further training, using the work skills they learnt with us at Derwen College.
“Transitioning from college can be an exciting yet daunting time for students. The My Next Steps Conference aimed to inspire and support students in pursuing their career aspirations and preparing for the next chapter of their lives. The event was a testament to Derwen College’s commitment to empowering our students and celebrating their achievements.”
Wildlife Photography Competition at Ludlow campus
Derwen College Ludlow recently hosted a wildlife photography competition that brought together students from the college’s four campuses as well as a local school and a college in Kuwait!
The event, held at the Business Eco Park, showcased the talents of budding photographers.
The Shropshire college’s Ludlow campus welcomed esteemed wildlife photographer Jez Shimmin and Darren and Kara Musgrove of Darren Musgrove Photography to judge the competition. Local businesses were also invited to visit the campus, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
The competition attracted 27 impressive entries from Derwen College’s Telford, Walford, and Gobowen campuses, as well as Church Stretton School. The event even received submissions from the Gharnata Training Centre, a specialist college in Kuwait, which Derwen College supported to launch.
Ludlow students excelled as hosts, preparing snacks and drinks for the guests. They practised their hospitality skills, warmly welcoming visitors and serving as excellent ambassadors for the college.
The judges were impressed with the quality of the entries, making the task of selecting winners a challenging one. They evaluated the photographs based on creativity, connection, technical quality, and the story behind each image.
First Place: ‘Strong’ by Joseph Griffiths, Ludlow
Joseph Griffiths’ photograph of a tree, titled ‘Strong,’ captivated the judges. They were moved by how Joseph powerfully conveyed the strength of the tree through both the image and his description. Joseph wrote, “I took this photograph to emphasize the strength of a tree. The tree is important as it is home to many animals. It produces oxygen to help humans live and breathe. Its strong presence is not only beautiful, it gives life.”
Second Place: ‘White Swan’ by Rehenna Holding, Telford
Rehenna Holding’s close-up shot of a swan, titled ‘White Swan,’ earned second place. The judges appreciated how Rehenna captured the swan’s beauty and conveyed the calmness it brought her. They felt that the photo, title, and description met the competition brief exceptionally well and made a deep emotional connection.
Third Place: ‘The Rapid Waterfall’ by Ben Lawley, Ludlow
The judges were impressed with how Ben captured the movement of the waterfall and his vivid description of the experience. Ben shared, “We were walking in the blustering wind in New Radnor when we found a tall gushing waterfall. I took an outstanding photograph. Above the waterfall, we saw a bird of prey soaring in the sky. We walked down the steps to the bottom of the path and paddled in some cool spring water to get the sticky mud off our boots. We will always remember the stunning waterfall.”
Highly Commended Entries
- ‘Icicles’ by Jessica Norbury, Gobowen:Judges admired Jessica’s close-up of winter flowers resembling icicles and her attention to detail.
- ‘Trees’ by Liam Burgess, Gobowen:Liam’s beautifully framed woodland photo with sunlight shimmering through the trees was a favourite which was only let down by a lack of title and description.
Judges Jez Shimmin and Darren Musgrove commended all participants for their efforts. Jez noted, “Every photo had something we liked, making it difficult to choose winners.” Darren added, “The standard was high, and showing your work to the public is a brave thing to do. We hope students continue to enjoy photography and nature.”
Congratulations to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the competition!
Students sock it to World Down Syndrome Day
Retail students invite everyone to step up in style for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). Supporters can do this on 21 March by purchasing a pair of bold, colourful socks.
Our Retail and Enterprise learners have teamed up with Stand Out Socks, an inspiring business that made waves on TV’s Dragon’s Den. Thanks to them, they will sell funky socks that celebrate Down Syndrome awareness and send a message of inclusion, and empowerment.
The socks are proudly endorsed by ‘Dragon’ investors Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones, make a statement. They also support student-led initiatives that help young people with learning difficulties develop key business and employability skills.
Derwen College was one of just 21 organisations selected to take part in Stand Out Socks’ Project Empowerment. There were more than 250 applications! This initiative offers students the opportunity to run their own business venture. They’ll be handling everything from stock management and sales to customer service and marketing.
The socks come in adult and children’s sizes and are priced at £9.95 a pair. Students will also be selling raffle tickets to win especially created prize hampers which they’ll sell at Gobowen campus Marketplace retail outlets. The Marketplace, which is open to the public seven days a week, features a charity shop, restaurant, café, garden centre, and even a small training hotel. All funds raised will go back into student-led enterprise projects, providing real-world experience and paving the way for future career opportunities.
Proud to sell Stand Out Socks
Retail teacher Andrea Whittall said how proud the team are to work with Stand Out Socks.
She said: “As a nationally recognised specialist college dedicated to helping students gain confidence, independence, and meaningful employment, we are very excited to collaborate with Stand Out Socks. This partnership is the perfect fit, helping our students put their best foot forward in business and retail. We are thrilled that we were shortlisted among so many applications. Now we can’t wait to start showcasing our own entrepreneurial skills.”
Wearing bright, mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day is a simple yet powerful way to celebrate diversity, and inclusion. Support Derwen College students and Stand Out Socks by purchasing a pair (or two!) of funky, feel-good socks. Wear them with pride on 21 March for World Down Syndrome Day.
Student Council learn about local government
Our Student Council had the opportunity to learn about local government when Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Councillor Craig Emery visited us this week.
They invited Craig to College to discuss his role in the community and democracy in general.
Craig, who also runs the local Coop stores, and is a governor at nearby Gobowen School, was questioned by Student Council President Jonathan. Our Council asked Craig about his role, and what he enjoyed and didn’t like about being a councillor. They also quizzed him on what the council does to support young people and people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Craig spoke about local and general elections and the role of a councillor, explaining:
“From street lights to allotments, cemeteries, and playing fields, the job covers the whole community. What makes politics interesting is making a difference. When people have issues, they contact me. Then, I can reach out to the right people to make changes,” he said.
Get involved in democracy
When asked how students can get involved in local democracy and issues, Craig emphasised the importance of voting:
“Voting is the most important thing you can do to affect politics. There are many different parties, and it’s important to have a say in who runs the council and government. Whether you vote in person or apply for a postal vote, please vote,” he urged.
Regarding how the council considers the needs of young people with disabilities, Craig encouraged students to share their issues with him.
He said: “I have supported campaigns around speed awareness with students at Derwen College. I have been in contact with Shropshire Council about reducing the speed limit outside the college to 30mph. The only way we know about issues is by being told. Speaking up is vital. Find your local councillor or MP and tell them what you want and need.”
Craig also shared his personal experiences of being a councillor, including the highs and lows.
“I enjoy it when I get something sorted for someone. The most frustrating part of the role is that I’d like to make things better for people quicker, but sometimes the processes take a long time.”
The Purple Pound
Students spoke to Craig about Purple Pound Day, an initiative that raises awareness about the challenges faced by disabled consumers and the need for accessible shopping and service environments. It aims to educate businesses, retailers, and the public about the importance of inclusivity and disability awareness. As a councillor and shop manager, Craig was very supportive of working with the college to help students communicate more confidently in local shops and businesses.
Thanks to Craig for visiting ahead of Colleges Week 2025. The week celebrates the impact that further education colleges have both in their local communities and across the country.
Donation supports students to achieve Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards
Students are set to embark on life-changing adventures, thanks to a generous donation from Hartey Wealth Management’s Charlotte Hartey Foundation. The £682 donation provides crucial funding to support intrepid students to complete Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) expeditions, this spring.
The financial boost will help participants to join a challenging four-day walking expedition in Snowdonia. Or they’ll embark on an exciting sailing expedition on the Norfolk Broads. For students like Brendan, who has mobility issues, the sailing option provides an opportunity to enjoy this experience.
Our Sports Coordinator Steve Evans, along with student Brendan, visited Hartey Wealth Management’s Oswestry office. Here, they expressed their gratitude for the DofE donation to company chairman, Karl Hartey,
“The support from Hartey Wealth Management has been invaluable in making these opportunities available to our students,” said Steve Evans. “It allows them to gain independence and confidence. They learn valuable skills while participating in activities that might otherwise be out of reach.”
Karl Hartey, Chairman of Hartey Wealth Management said: “Hartey Wealth Management, through The Charlotte Hartey Foundation, is proud to support Derwen College students in achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. We believe in empowering young people with special educational needs and disabilities to embrace challenges, gain independence, and create lasting memories. Seeing the impact of our donation first-hand reinforces our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of these inspiring students.”
Gold DofE Award recipients are invited to attend a celebration event joined by a member of the Royal Family to mark their achievement.
Brendan, who is a student on our Hospitality and Food pathway, said he was excited for the experience. He said: “I’m looking forward to learning to sail with the Gold team and Steve! It’s going to be a great adventure.”
We are incredibly grateful to the Charlotte Hartey Foundation. We’d also like to thank all the generous donors who make the DofE Awards a reality for our students.
Celebrating our amazing Ludlow students
Students at our Ludlow campus have only been at college for six months and already they’re demonstrating what a talented and competitive bunch they are.
Over the past few months, students at our Ludlow campus have been showing off their talents in all sorts of competitions – from poetry to photography and even birdwatching. It’s been incredible to see their passion and dedication in action.
National Poetry Day Competition
One of the highlights was the National Poetry Day Competition, judged by the fantastic poet and author Jan Hedger, who is one of the college’s industry champions. The competition was open to students from all our campuses, and Ludlow students really impressed with their beautiful, creative poems about an Oak Tree:
🏆 First Place – Oak Tree by Tiff. Jan Hedger loved how this poem used movement and language to bring the tree to life – seriously impressive.
🥈 Second Place – Oak Tree by Sol. A beautifully flowing poem with clever repetition and strong imagery – great work.
🌟 Highly Commended – The Oak Tree by Ben. A fascinating story poem exploring the life of a tree through history – well-researched and engaging.
Steps Competition
Students were also champions in the college-wide steps competition. Shout out to our superstars in the Steps Competition:
🏆 First Place – Ben
🥉 Third Place – Conner
World Wildlife Day photography competition
Our talented photographers have been busy snapping away for the World Wildlife Day Photography Competition. We’re eagerly waiting for the results to be announced on 3 March – fingers crossed! 🤞📸
Big Schools Birdwatch
Our students also got stuck into the Big Schools Birdwatch, helping track local bird species and learning loads about conservation. It’s been a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the amazing wildlife around us. 🦉🐦
What’s Coming Up Next?
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Our students are gearing up for Skills Competitions at Gobowen campus. On 28 March, students will be taking part in Horticulture and Hospitality Skills Competitions with colleges from across the UK.
Competitions like these are such an amazing way for our students to grow, challenge themselves, and show off their skills. We’re beyond proud of everything they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s next. Keep up the fantastic work, everyone!
Five-star reviews for The Station Cafe
Did you know that staff and students from Derwen College cook for and serve customers in The Station Café at Gobowen Station?
Severn Dee Travel, who run the community station, have partnered with the college to let our Hospitality and Food team run this popular cafe. Here, students enjoy weekly work experience placements which support them into employment after college.
We love being part of this community of locals and commuters, serving drinks, cakes, breakfasts and lunches. And it seems the feeling is mutual, as we’ve had some lovely reviews, recently.
Leafing through the cafe’s visitors book, there are kind messages written by commuters from England, Wales, Scotland, and as far away as Australia and South Africa, Sweden, Austria, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Already for 2025, comments have included:
“Lovely food and drink, and staff are so helpful and friendly. Should have more of these café outlets in more stations. Well done to you all!” – Mark Pashby MBE
“Best station in the country. Great staff, great coffee!” – Theresa Peckham from Oswestry
“A great place and welcome. Polite, efficient, friendly service and delicious breakfast. The loos were a delight too!” – Whitmore/Whites Surrey and Australia.
Derwen College’s Teresa Richards, a familiar face to anyone who visits the cafe, said she was extremely grateful to customers who took the time to review the cafe in the visitors book, as well as online.
She said: “It means a lot to students and to staff to hear praise for their efforts. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“Thanks also to Severn Dee Travel for giving students this wonderful opportunity. We love hearing back from graduates who have gone on to find employment using the skills they’ve learnt at Derwen College and The Station Cafe.”
Sign up to showcase work skills in national competitions
Further education students are invited to showcase their vocational work skills in our newly launched national competitions for 2025.
We have partnered with Coleg Elidyr, in Carmarthenshire, to host a range of vocational competitions. These will enable students to demonstrate skills learnt at college. Entrants have the opportunity to exhibit their talents and compete with other students.
The competitions are open to students aged 16–25 who are working at up to Level 1 in mainstream or specialist colleges or schools. Taking part in the competitions is a great way for students to demonstrate their learning and readiness for work and independence.
The deadline for applications is Friday 14 February, and live finals will be held at Elidyr Communities Trust on 27 March and Derwen College on 28 March.
Competitions at Derwen College will be held in table laying and bedmaking for Hospitality students, eco challenges for Horticulture students, visual merchandising competition for Retail students and dance competitions for Performing Arts students. Elidyr Communities Trust will host competitions in animal care, catering, first aid and woodwork.
We feel privileged to have the facilities and industry connections to run these professional competitions which are a valuable part of our award-winning careers programme. These events bring together students from a variety of schools and colleges to compete in a professional way and demonstrate learning and employability skills.
The competitions are part of our ongoing commitment to providing employment opportunities for people with SEND. We were proud to have won an award for our Careers Programme in the UK Career Development Awards 2024.
Head of Curriculum and Careers Lead, Jennifer Fawcett-Jones, said: “We are pleased to be offering national skills competitions to challenge our students as well as learners from specialist and mainstream colleges across England and Wales.
“Competitions focused on students’ vocational pathways stretch and challenge them and recognise and celebrate their outstanding achievements. Competitions can drive confidence and self-esteem, which further supports students in their journey towards employment.
“We look forward to welcoming students from many colleges to join us, to display their talents and share experience and expertise.”
Find out more and sign up today.
Get set for the 10km Challenge!
Students, staff and supporters are gearing up for Derwen College 10km Challenge, which sees the community come together, in Gobowen, for an inclusive event celebrating fitness and fundraising.
On Saturday, 5 April, the college will host the event which sees participants tackle 10km in their own way to raise money for Derwen Charity. Entrants can run, jog, walk, skip or wheel a scenic route which starts and finishes at the specialist college in north Shropshire, winding through local country roads along the way. The charity is urging local runners, walkers and supporters to sign up for this fun fundraiser.
Participants will start from Derwen College’s Gobowen campus site at 10am. Entry is £10 and will include a medal and goodie bag. Derwen Charity sports t-shirts will be available to buy separately at sign up and on the day.
Friendly, no-pressure event
Shorter distance options are available for those who can’t complete 10km. Families and supporters who are unable to take part, have the opportunity to sponsor a student. All students will be encouraged to get involved on the day and in the week running up to the challenge. There will be options to complete 1km every day in a variety of ways, including swimming, rowing, cycling and running.
For those attending the main event on Saturday, check-in opens at 8.30am, with registration and sign in closing at 9.45am. There will be a group warm-up led by sports staff before the countdown at 10am.
Dogs are welcome, and local running groups are encouraged to come along for a fun run. It’s a friendly, no-pressure event, making it the perfect introduction to a 10km distance.
Money raised will go to Derwen Charity towards accessible sports equipment for Derwen College students and clients. There is plenty of free parking, and Derwen Marketplace will be open, offering refreshments, and shopping opportunities for participants and their families.
Derwen College Community Fundraiser and Events Organiser Megan Charman is excited to launch the college’s second 10km Challenge event.
She says: “We are hoping to make the 10km Challenge even bigger and better than last year. Money raised will be used to support students’ wellbeing and fitness, so we’ll be raising money for accessible sports equipment.
“It’s a fantastic day whatever your fitness levels or predicted finish time. We all have a shared goal to get out there, enjoy some fresh air and exercise and raise money for a great cause.”
Opal and crew – radio stars in the making
We were happy to welcome BBC Radio Shropshire presenter Genevieve Tudor to college yesterday to speak to dance teacher Opal and members of Derwen Dance Crew (DDC)
Genevieve interviewed Opal about her recent Dance Teacher of the Year award, and spoke to Performing Arts students about what makes Opal so special.
Opal, who also runs Shrewsbury-based Identity School of Dance, was particularly proud to have been nominated by students, parents and colleagues who all wrote compelling statements on why she should be crowned Teacher of the Year.
She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard I’d won, as there were hundreds of nominees. I feel extremely proud and lucky. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.”
DDC have won lots of awards of their own in competitions run by Audacity Events, and have qualified to compete in the Championship Finals in Bristol on 1-2 February. Students have qualified in individual and group categories and have been busy rehearsing for the finals.
DDC is just one of the work experience opportunities available to Performing Arts students who are able explore a range of core skills including dance, music, drama, musical theatre, prop and scenery making. Student can also join our sign, song and dance group Derwen On Tour and theatre in education group DC Theatre.
Fingers crossed that, with their combined talents, our Performing Arts team will be bringing home yet more trophies. We really will need a new shelf to display all their awards!
Listen out for Opal and DDC’s interview with Genevieve on BBC Radio Shropshire soon.
