THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD EXPEDITIONS 2018

Staff and students at Harington School and Catmose College have had a busy few months supporting and organising Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE expeditions. Students on the Gold Award travelled to the Brecon Beacons for their practice expedition, whilst Silver and Bronze completed their qualifying expeditions in the Peak District and Charnwood Forest respectively.

Gold Award

The Brecon Beacons provided a superb venue for the Gold practice expedition, allowing students to feel the real remoteness and unfamiliar environment of the wild countryside. On arrival at Base Camp they settled in, and on day two teams carried out a day’s training before embarking on their four-day three-night expedition. At this level, expectations are very high and all the students did extremely well, covering a distance of 50 – 60 miles over the four days.

This practice expedition allowed them to develop their teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and organisational skills; all preparing them for their qualifying expedition in the Cambrian Mountains in October.

Silver Award

The challenging environment of the White Peaks in the Peak District made the perfect location for the Silver team’s qualifying expedition. Students were completely self-sufficient on this expedition; this meant planning their own routes, meals and ensuring they were carrying all they needed for the three days and two nights. Students travelled between 30 – 40 miles over the few days, with at least 7 hours of planned activity every day. They should all be extremely proud of what they achieved.

Bronze Award

After a long and relaxing summer holiday, it was time for two groups of Bronze award students to embark upon their qualifying expeditions. The expeditions began in Charnwood Forest, Swithland Wood, Newton Linford and Beaumanor. The teams had to travel a total of 20 miles, travelling at least 6 miles per day, in order to get to their finishing location of Beaumanor Hall. Assessors debriefed the teams and congratulated them on their leadership, motivation, confidence, team spirit, hard work and success over the weekends.

Well done to all of our Award groups who have taken part in these expeditions and congratulations to those teams and individuals that have now qualified and completed the Award.

Thank you to all the DofE staff who have given up their time and weekends to support the training and expeditions, in order to inspire, guide and support our students in their self-development and recognise their achievements.

Simon Mellors
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme Lead