22 Jun D of E News June 2018
It was a real pleasure to be with the Year 10 bronze group completing their qualifying expedition on 8th and 9th June. This group had worked really hard in the run up to this weekend to make sure that they were well prepared and ready for the challenge of their two day walk through the Essex countryside. They set out just after midday on the Friday from the edge of Wanstead flats and headed north into Epping Forest – well they did most of the time except when one group decided to ignore their compass and went a little off track. However, they did work out where they were, and both groups eventually made their way to the campsite at High Beech before dark (just). Despite the fact that they had had a long and exhausting trek on the Friday, both groups were up bright and early and ready to face Day 2. Everyone was packed and away from the site by 9:00am, a great achievement on a bronze expedition. Both groups again had a few navigation challenges on Day 2, but I always say that if you don’t get lost and sort out where you are you never really learn to navigate properly.
It was really nice to get some lovely feedback from Mr Eason who is an Assistant Headteacher at All Saints School and was with us to get his expedition assessor’s qualification completed, he said of our students ‘I enjoyed it and the kids are a credit to you. What a great bunch!’ Congratulations to all of the students involved for their brilliant behaviour and fantastic demonstration of resilience, leadership, problem solving and teamwork throughout the weekend. The students involved were: Silviu Ionescu 10A, Klaidas Runele and James David both 10D, Jack Waiharo 10E, Ire Ajala and Plamedi Mateus both 10F, Logan Grain 10G and Luke Craigie and Shanise Garner both 10H. Congratulations and thanks also to Mr Kilminster who acted as assessor for one of the groups, and successfully completed his assessor’s qualification alongside Mr Eason. Last but not least, many thanks to Mr Hargreaves who not only helped with supervising the students but oversaw both of the supported assessments.
Year 9 interview success
On Wednesday 13th June I interviewed all those in Year 9 who have been working towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award throughout the current academic year. I am delighted to say that twelve students have been accepted to join the expedition training which starts in September. They are: Taylor Skinner 9A, Ayaan Chida 9B, Gopal Goswami 9D, Harrison Whyte, Shanise Minui, Reece Ward and Ini Philips 9F, Josiah Ugowe 9G, Nicola Hicks and Tolu Famuleau both 9H, Devika Ahtty 9I, and Lilijana Blavevicinte 9J. A few of you have shown interest in your Silver award, which is very encouraging. I look forward very much to working with you all on your expedition preparations from September onwards.
Congratulations to Year 8 successful applicants
Finally, I have been very pleased to receive twenty-two successful applications from Year 8 students who want to start their Bronze award in Year 9. Very well done to all of you on taking this first step in your D of E adventure. There will be a special meeting for all of you after school in SD2 (Ms Lynch’s room in SDD) on Tuesday 26th June (next Tuesday). This meeting is to introduce you to the process of thinking about getting your activities started ready for September. I would also like to target some Out of School Hours Learning funding at D of E activities and would like to ask you as a group if you would like a specific activity set up for your Volunteering, Physical or Skill aspect of the award.
The successful Year 8 Bronze candidates are: Adedamola Olatunji, and Charis Adams both 8A, Chanel Nugent and Sophie Wood, both 8B, Alfie Welch, Bobby Lee, Chelsea Akposheri-Oweh, Sophie Waiharo, Justina Folorunsho all 8C, Noorjahan Ahmed, Philip Adu, and Elias Dragoi all 8D, Lekisha Rose David Scale, and Ayomide Osatuyi both 8E, Sameer Ali, and Victor Oso, both 8H, Lottie-Mae Benjamin, Tonislav Hristov and Charlie White, all 8J, Arthur Garner 8I, Brandon Gregory and Chelsea Bowers 8J. I am looking forward very much to starting work with you all next week!
Ms Montague
D of E Manager
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