Over the last few weeks 33 year 10 students have taken on the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award at Bronze level. The award consists of 4 sections; physical, skill, volunteering and expedition. Students have come up with their own physical, skill and volunteering activities. They have either developed skills they already have like dancing or art skills or they have taken up something completely new such as marksmanship or photography.
The expedition section consists of two expedition’s one practice one assessed. Students have to plan an expedition from start to finish and walk their route as a group 4-7 students. Each group should be self-sufficient and carry everything they need and be able to navigate themselves to their planned campsite and spend a night camping before setting off on their next day of walking.
On Friday 14th June – students set off from High gate common in their groups and made their way to their campsite. The weather was awful and students realised very quickly that preparation is vital when out on expeditions. The rain was constant and very heavy at times. Students quickly put on waterproofs and some realised how important it is to have these to hand to quickly put them on. The students battled through the very tough conditions and made it to school where they camped overnight.
They woke up very early, made breakfast, packed away and got started on their 2nd day of travelling. The weather was a little better for them this time round and students where using the dryer weather to make up some time and get finished earlier.
Students started to arrive back to the end check point around 3pm. A whole hour ahead of schedule.
I am really impressed with the level of determination and resilience the students showed over the weekend. The conditions were extremely tough and all students battled through it and completed the expedition. I am very proud of them all.
We are looking forward to the next expedition this academic year.
Mr Deeming
Duke of Edinburgh Organiser
