DofE Gold Practice Expedition

Following the DofE Gold Practice Expedition in March, Year 12 student Lizzie shares her personal reflections on the experience:

The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop existing interests, learn new skills and meet new people. Possibly the most challenging part of the award is the expedition: a 4-day camping and hiking adventure through the countryside that puts to test a person’s physical and mental stamina. On the 2nd of March, four teams of Year 12's ventured to Wales to complete their practice in preparation for the qualifying expedition in June.

On a bright, cold Monday morning, twenty-one Year 12's arrived in Hay on Wyre, eager to set out and explore. Each student was fully equipped with all the hiking and camping essentials: Maps and compasses, outdoor gear, and several tents per team - not to mention enough food and the equipment needed to cook up much-needed meals for the entire trip.

During the following days, the routine was simple yet challenging. After waking up at first light, breakfast was to be prepared to provide energy for a long day, tents had to be taken down and the day’s route puzzled over in advance. Working together, teams navigated public footpaths, open access land and bridleways across rocky, wet and steep terrain. However, the views from the top of the mountains made every painful step infinitely worth it: the beauty of the Welsh countryside’s rolling hills and sweeping valleys have no parallel. By the end, with aching feet, sore shoulders and exhausted minds, the students stumbled to the finishing point, rightly proud of themselves yet excited to go home.

A huge thank you to all the instructors, teachers and parents for making this experience possible for our young people.

By Lizzie R (Year 12)