Browse Sections

• School league tables

Award-winning David's a lesson in teaching

Katherine Vine
12/ 5/2008

WHERE has Altrincham teacher David Bradley been? He's been to London to visit the Queen!

The North Cestrian Grammar School teacher was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List for services to young people, and on Thursday May 1 he went to Buckingham Palace to collect it.

David, who is 54 and lives in Hale Barns, said: " When I discovered I had been awarded an MBE I was amazed for such awards, in my mind, go to those who have done something special.

"I don't think I stopped smiling throughout the three hours at Buckingham Palace.

"From conversations with many of the 93 others at the Investiture, ranging from those receiving knighthoods to those getting bravery awards for action in Iraq, all felt the same - that they had done nothing exceptional."

David received his MBE in recognition of his involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, taking young people out on expeditions to further their personal development, which he has been doing for over 30 years.

He said: "Taking children out into the wilds and encouraging them to push themselves, overcome their self-doubts and play silly games is hardly rocket science.

"In fact, the 50 to 70 days a year I'm away from home are normally just an excuse to have fun and enjoy the animal vitality the young exude."

David says he has always know, from conversations with parents and pupils, that his efforts are appreciated - but that those at a national level see his involvement as something special has made him reassess what he does, and will continue to do.

"I have always said that I teach more our of the classroom than I do in, and that finding time for others is at the centre of human existence," he said.

"While I received an award for helping others achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, out school's success would not be as great without the devotion of every one of our staff, teaching and support, and the commitment of our pupils."