03/12/2009

Prince Boosts Duke Of Edinburgh Scheme

On the second day of engagements in Northern Ireland HRH The Earl of Wessex has officially opened a Co Down educational facility - and underlined the importance of a leading UK youth achievement scheme.

Prince Edward was at Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College to mark the official opening of the new building which opened last year.

The school was formed in 2001 following the amalgamation of Bangor and Gransha High Schools and is the result of a Public Private Partnership Scheme.

The College is a non-grammar school with a current population of 1,387 students catering for all abilities, ages, and religious backgrounds.

In 2008 the College was granted Specialist School Status under Humanities, with lead subjects in English, Drama and Journalism.

On arriving HRH was greeted by David Lindsay Lord-Lieutenant of County Down and went on to meet Ulster Unionist MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon as well as Stanley Goudie, Chief Inspector, Department of Education.

The Earl of Wessex, who is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, went on to meet a number of Gold, Silver and Bronze Award holders and participants and viewed a display relating to the work of the Award Scheme.

He also met representatives from current and former Boards of Governors, South Eastern Education and Library Board, Public Private Partnership, Architects, Contractors and Facilities Management.

As well as the emphasis on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the prince also met some of the Year 11 pupils for a particular highlight of the visit.

This came when HRH joined staff and students in the Journalism suite and took part in an interview.

See: Edward At Cathedral For Commemoration

(BMcC/GK)

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