Former Paston College student takes Duke of Edinburgh Gold

3rd June 2019

Congratulations are due to former Paston College student, Sophie Babbs, who recently collected her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at Buckingham Palace

An expeditionary achievement 

To receive this prestigious award, Sophie successfully undertook a five day expedition to the Snowdonia mountain range, completed a week long residential in bird conservation on the Island of Arran, as well as undertaking new challenges such as learning dodgeball, photography, and seal rescue.

Studies and future plans

Sophie completed her studies at Paston in 2016, gaining her A Levels in Biology, Geography, and Chemistry. She is currently studying Zoology at the University of Cumbria, with the aim of working in the animal conservation industry once she has completed her degree.

Out of the comfort zone and into the mountains

Sophie said of her experience, “Undertaking this award I enjoyed the challenge of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone to achieve a goal, and learning new skills, such as photography, and how to navigate the mountains with just a map, compass, and a team of people you did not know beforehand. Overall completing this award has given me a thirst for adventure, to carry on exploring the world around us.”