Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Training and Practice Expedition

Congratulations to our 25 Lower Eighth Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award participants, who all successfully completed a four-day training and practice expedition in the Brecon Beacons National Park last week.

It was a welcome change of scene after the internal examinations and provided a chance to decompress.

The weather was mixed, with rain on the first and last days but for much of the time there were good walking conditions, being dry and not too warm. The teams walked over 15km every day, carrying heavy packs, supporting each other to complete the route and manage themselves in camp, with guidance from expert instructors. On the final night they made a wild camp at 600m elevation.

The instructors were very complimentary about the conduct of all the pupils, commenting on their enthusiasm, fitness and technical competence. They will now proceed to their qualifying expedition in Snowdonia (Eryri) just after the end of term.

We hope that current Sixth Form pupils will consider joining the DofE Gold Award next year. Further information about this opportunity will be shared before the end of term.