Forest Oak School

Jack Alders completed his Bronze DofE with Forest Oak School in Birmingham.  Jack has ADHD and moderate learning difficulties. Before starting his DofE Jack would often experience difficulties getting along with his peers and he needed support both academically and personally, particularly with organisation skills.

When Jack started his Bronze Award in Year 11, Jack shone through as a natural leader. Deb Jacques, his DofE Leader said “the natural leadership skills displayed by Jack during the expeditions were a nice surprise to everyone involved, especially the staff. He had not shown this side of himself in school prior to starting the expeditions and it was lovely to see”.

Deb added “Jack displayed a great sense of belonging to his group as he was as enthusiastic about every member he walked with. He got along with his peers better throughout the expeditions which helped him to build better friendships in school once they had completed their award.”

Jack has enjoyed completing his DofE as he has taken part in a variety of activities including helping younger students in the school and for his skill section, he attended ‘The Secret Garden,’ a local farm-based education facility, to complete a Small Animal Care course.

Deb said, “Jack is keen to volunteer and support others as they take on their D of E expeditions because he is eager for others to have the positive experiences he had while completing the award.”