Twenty-one students from across Year 9 and 10 have signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme this year. This is the programme set up by the Late Duke of Edinburgh to encourage students to enjoy and experience the outdoors, improve their fitness, develop a skill and take part volunteering in the community.
The highlight for most students is the Expedition element. This involves two days hiking and camping in the Chiltern Hills. The students divided up into groups of between five and seven. Each group has to carry all supplies, keep together as a group and complete the route within a certain time period. No electronic aids are allowed to help with navigation!
In preparation for the Expedition the students took part in two days training run by the Action4Youth Charity, an approved Duke of Edinburgh provider. The trainers took the students through all aspects of the Expedition, route planning, putting up tents, using Trangia stoves, navigation, hazards, basic first aid and teamwork. They also completed a six hour hike carrying gear in terrain they are likely to encounter on the expedition-mud, hills and fences!
The aim is for the students to complete the Bronze Award this year so that in September 2022 those wishing to carry on can begin the Silver Award next year.
This programme takes out young people far out of their comfort zones … and we know that’s where the really great things happen in life!
It helps them to develop their team working, independence, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as building their inner strength, resilience and determination. When the going gets tough in life the DofE training helps our young children dig deep!
It’s fantastic to see so many students signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme this year, we can’t wait to hear more about all the exciting adventures they will embark on!
Mr Troy
History