Duke of Edinburgh

14 Apr Duke of Edinburgh

Over the Easter break (1^st – 4^th April), 15 students from Years 11 and 12 took part in a training expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  We set out on the evening of 1^st April, and stayed in the village of Alfriston.  Fortunately, those taking part had carefully checked their tents on the last day of term and so had no trouble putting them up and getting settled in.  The day dawned bright and sunny on Saturday and the group were dropped off for their first days walk.  With heavy bags, this was a challenge and most people were pretty tired at the end of the first day, but despite this they kept a reasonable pace with both groups completing the day more or less in the predicated time.  The weather was not kind that evening and the students had to huddle under dripping tarpaulins to cook their evening meal, before retiring to their tents.  The following day was dry with some welcome early sunshine to dry the tents a little.  The groups were well organised especially considering that they had to pack their tents for the first time.  Sundays route wound its way across the South Downs, with the additional challenge of navigating safely through a forest.  The groups did well to reach the amusingly named Foxhole Bottom Campsite in time to get their tents pitched before yet another shower!  The final day was chilly and a little grey but thankfully dry, and despite a rather late start the groups made it to the finish.

Congratulations to all who took part: Tolu Oluwole, Moyin Adetoye, Anisha Makwana, Teresa Tu, Aiesha Francis, Kelechi Ogbonna, Maryam Hedari, Ibukun Aluko, Olivia Husak, Ruxandra Ilie, Ebun Ajala and Adaeze Ogbonna (all Year 11), and Jessica and Jennifer Ochonma and Clara Dikongue (all Year 12), well deserved LOCs all round.  Despite the often wet and cold conditions not one of the students complained, and all managed to complete the practice expedition. 

All the very best to all those going on to complete their qualifying expedition at the end of the Summer term. 

Finally, a huge thank you to Miss Davies and Bill Lockton for their help and support as well as Chris of ‘Outspark’ who helped to instruct the groups.

Ms Montague

D of E Manager