Congratulations to all of our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze participants, who successfully completed their Qualifying Expedition on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June.
Despite challenging weather conditions and persistent rain, students tackled the expedition with smiles on their faces, determination in their hearts, and rucksacks firmly on their backs. Throughout the weekend, they demonstrated outstanding teamwork, supporting one another through every challenge and showing remarkable resilience from start to finish.
Students navigated expertly across difficult woodland terrain, where numerous intersecting paths tested their map-reading and compass skills. Their confidence and accuracy were evident as each team successfully reached camp, proud of what they had achieved.
Upon arrival, tents were erected with efficiency and confidence before students prepared an impressive range of evening meals. Highlights included a wonderfully aromatic biryani packed with vibrant green chillies, a homemade lamb curry served with homemade mango chutney and poppadom, as well as a variety of creative hot chocolates and delicious desserts. The evening concluded with a lively game of football, filled with laughter, energy and excellent team spirit.
Following some well-earned relaxation time, students settled into their tents and once again made us proud by maintaining a silent campsite by 10pm. An early start the following morning was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise, and by 7am students were already cooking breakfast on their Trangias, packing down camp and preparing for the second day of journeying. Our first team departed camp by 7:45am, ready to take on the next stage of the expedition.
The weekend concluded with a debrief and celebrations as students were officially congratulated on passing the Expedition section of their Bronze Award. Teams also shared presentations featuring photographs and videos captured throughout their journey, showcasing both their achievements and the memories they created along the way.
Years 8 and above will have the opportunity to enrol on the award at the end of June so please do look out for the enrolment information coming soon.
