DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD EXPEDITIONS
Over the Easter break more than 100 Fifth Form pupils went on practice expeditions for their Silver DofE Award. The conditions were intimidating for both of the expeditions, with the first arriving to find snow on the ground, and the second coping with zero visibility above 300m! Ground conditions were also extremely challenging as a result of the wettest winter in the area in living memory and some groups had to dynamically assess risk and amend routes to avoid impassable streams. Both expeditions saw how great the experience could be on their final day, when weather conditions relented and there was even a report of some sunburn!
The resilience, teamwork and competency shown by the pupils was impressive and we expect them all to successfully go on to complete their qualifying expedition in the summer under kinder skies.
Mr D Forbes-WhiteheadDofE Award Manager
Taking on the DofE expedition pushed our strength and determination. We surmounted every hurdle in our path, and despite the terrible weather, we conquered challenges and strengthened friendships. It was a true demonstration of team spirit. Without my friends, it would not have been possible.
Also leaving on the first day of the Easter break, 33 of our Lower Sixth Form pupils headed to Snowdonia to complete their Gold DofE practice expedition. Despite the bleak-looking forecast of rain all weekend, the group enjoyed an unexpected couple of dry days in the mountains with some rare sunshine in North Wales.
On the first day, they put their navigational skills to the test on a micro-navigation exercise before heading out on three days of walking in wild country terrain. In the Eyri National Park they observed fantastic views over nearby lakes and the rest of Snowdonia from some of the highest peaks in the park. The three days of expedition provided a number of new challenges to pupils, whose determination, team work and resilience shone throughout the weekend.
Mr G OrmeDofE Gold Level Award Leader
