Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions
Duke of Edinburgh’s award expeditions have taken 182 St Benedict's pupils in years 10 and 11 out of London and into the hills this term, putting their navigation, camping and teamwork skills to the test.
Over half term, there were 4 Silver practice expeditions, involving 93 pupils. The groups walked an average of 17km a day, around Bentley Copse in the Surrey Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and camped out for 2 nights.
Mrs Michelle Lee, Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Administrator, said: “It was a challenging experience for all. We had to battle the wind and torrential rain at times and the children did so well to keep going. It was cold, cold, cold. We have a fantastic team of teachers who came to help and they were amazing!”
Two Bronze qualifying expeditions took place in September, in kinder weather. 89 pupils walked for about 14km a day in and around Wendover Woods, on the northern edge of the Chiltern Hills.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme takes students out of their comfort zone and into the wilds. The activity is going from strength to strength at St Benedict’s, with record numbers of students taking part. Bronze, Silver and Gold awards provide invaluable experience of teamwork and perseverance as well as survival skills and navigation. The awards consist of different challenges: Skills, Physical, Volunteering, Expedition and, for the Gold award, a Residential activity.
D of E is highly regarded by universities and employers, who recognise the level of personal development the awards represent. Gold is a particularly impressive achievement, and these awards are formally presented at St James’ Palace.
