It has been a very busy period for our Year 11 pupils who are challenging themselves by taking on the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. Over the last fortnight we have seen over 50 pupils complete their three day practice expeditions in North Wales.

During the first day of the expeditions both sets of pupils journeyed from Loggerheads Country Park to their campsite, navigating their way through wooded areas, open land and rolling hillside. All groups did very well, especially considering this was their first time navigating since completing the Bronze Award in Year 9.

The second day saw pupils take on the challenge of an 18km loop taking in some beautiful scenery in an official area of outstanding beauty. This challenged pupils’ resilience as the day was long and packs heavy. On returning to camp pupils were able to have a well-earned rest and demonstrate their culinary skills as they cooked their hot meal on a Trangia stove.

The final day saw pupils take on a particularly challenging route back to Loggerheads Country Park. The challenge on the final day reverted to navigation as pupils had to negotiate paths through forested areas and quarries. All groups succeeded in this and returned home in good time. These expeditions were a fantastic success and all pupils demonstrated a high level of skill in all aspects of expedition preparation and execution. Pupils will now work hard to complete skill, physical and volunteering activities before completing their qualifying expedition in March.