Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions
Over the Exeat weekend four separate Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition groups have been out exploring the mountains and coast lines of the United Kingdom.
Two Silver level teams of Year 11 pupils set out on the Anglesey Coastal Path, while the Year 13s went further afield and completed a four day crossing of the Lake District.
During these expeditions, the pupils have to remain self-sufficient and carry with them all that they need to camp, eat, navigate and generally survive. Without teachers or parents on hand to offer advice, as they travel between checkpoints, the responsibility for route choice and decision making is left to the group. This is both an intimidating and empowering experience, but one that results in lasting memories. Especially for the Gold group who at one point found themselves on the wrong side of a wide river…
Although the expedition section gets the most publicity, pupils also have to do some volunteering, learn a skill and take part in some physical activity to complete the full Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. As reward to those who complete the Gold Award, they invited by HRH Prince Edward to a formal presentation at one of the royal palaces in London.
From Year 9 and above all pupils at St David’s College have the opportunity to take part in the award. Interested? Talk to our Outdoor Education Department for more information.
