16 Sep Sixth Formers find Gold at the end of the DofE rainbow!
Congratulations!
Mr Kilminster and I had the great privilege last week of supervising the gold Duke of Edinburgh Award group on their qualifying expedition in the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.
The group, Reece (ex-student), Fatimah, Skyla and Sameer (all Year 13) had spent the whole of last year diligently planning a route around the Brecon Beacons area and learning essential skills such as navigation, camp craft, first aid and weather forecasting.
Speaking of weather, last week saw rather a lot of it – most of it very wet! Still the group were undaunted and were up and ready to go each morning in good time to complete their route for the day. They showed brilliant organisational skills and fed themselves with a tasty menu of their own devising each night.
The highlight of the week had to be the ascent of Pen Y Fan, at 886m the highest mountain in South Wales. It was probably the wettest day so far, and getting to the summit, especially pushing/pulling Reece in his wheelchair, proved a huge challenge. However, this was gold DofE, and it’s not supposed to be easy!
The group feared getting to the top and there being no view with the torrential rain that they experienced on the way up. However, their resilience and hard work was rewarded as the clouds lifted just as they reached the summit and they were greeted with some amazing views, and some amazing rainbows – proving that there is at least DofE gold at the end of the rainbow!
Clare Thomas of Trewern Outdoor Centre assessed the group and was extremely pleased with all aspects of their work on expedition. She was especially impressed by their attention to detail as far as safety was concerned especially when walking on roads. You won’t be surprised to learn that they all passed their gold expedition with flying colours. They took great care of each other and worked brilliantly well as a team.
I was very proud to learn that the whole team had been awarded ‘student of the week’ this week, very well deserved for all of them.
Reece is now embarking on his next adventure at Exeter University, whilst Fatimah, Skyla and Sameer continue their studies in Year 13.
I wish them all every success and look forward to them completing the volunteering, physical, skill and residential parts of their award, so that they can attend their gold award presentation at one of the royal palaces in the presence of a member of the royal family.
Finally, I would like to thank Clare Thomas, Justin Bradley and Dave Barber of Trewern for their support during the week and their advice and guidance, and Mr Kilminster for being my indispensable ‘wing man’ throughout the week.
Ms Montague
Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager
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