Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze Practice Expedition

Twenty-three fifth formers spent the 2007 May Bank Holiday weekend on a "dry" run of their final Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition in the Buckinghamshire Chilterns. Operating in self-sufficient groups of 5 or 6 they walked 24 km over two days with each boy carrying about 12 kg of equipment and supplies. This marks the final stage of several months training before their assessment in June. They have undertaken several practical navigation exercises of up to 14km, attended a first aid course, learned to care for tents and to cook simple meals.

All the boys have shown great commitment and enthusiasm to the scheme. This was particularly apparent on the second day when they awoke to pouring rain which continued all morning. Despite this they all completed the exercise in some style and deserve to pass the final assessment, which will take place in Dorset, with flying colours.