On Monday 16^th May, lead teachers for the Academy's DofE scheme, Vice Principal, Mr Tony Segalini and English Teacher, Miss Rachael Davies attended the once in a life time Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Gold Award Presentation at the Palace in London.
At the event Mr Segalini and Miss Davies were presented with a special plaque for KSA from the DofE Charity by celebrity supporter and successful business woman, Jo Malone, acknowledging the Secondary Phase’s commitment to running the DofE Awards scheme and acknowledging the school's involvement in giving young people the opportunity to transform their lives.
Miss Davies said: “It was a great honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace and to receive a commemorative plaque to acknowledge and say thank you for our work with the Charity during this Diamond Anniversary year. Our students are currently working towards their bronze awards but there is the potential in the future for Gold Award students to come from KSA. It is all very exciting.”
"I felt honoured to attend the event on behalf of the school and it was a once in a life time opportunity and experience. It was also a great event for meeting with representatives from other schools and hearing about their award schemes and students."
The DofE is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary throughout 2016, having supported millions of young people in the UK and across the globe to achieve DofE Awards since it was founded in 1956.
Members of the Royal Family were present at the event; HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Earl of Wessex and HRH The Countess of Wessex, who were there to congratulate those involved including young Gold Award achievers, organisations that deliver the DofE and special guests such as corporate supporters and DofE Diamond Challengers, who have set themselves a personal challenge to raise money for the DofE Charity in its anniversary year.
KSA started delivering the DofE programme last year and students been volunteering in their community, learning new skills, getting fit and are currently preparing to go on their first expedition. 
After the May half term break the programme will be launched again for the Academy’s current Year 9 Students to sign up for. 
Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of the DofE Charity said: “Through the DofE, Kettering Science Academy is inspiring the success of its young people; equipping them with the attributes and skills to get a job and build strong relationships whilst opening up their worlds and introducing them to a broad range of interests. We are truly grateful to all of our Licensed Organisations for the work that they do, they are an integral part of the DofE family, and our Diamond Anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you.”