Duke of Edinburgh Gold Team Approach Their Final Challenge
The route cards are written, the hats and sunscreen packed – the 38 strong student team are nearly ready to paddle the Wye during this week’s Wider Skills Week and complete their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold award.
As part of their preparation for their final qualifying trip ahead, the students took on their practice expedition earlier in the summer — two nights under canvas and three days paddling through the beautiful Basingstoke Canal and the Wey!
Ed Jones, teacher of Biology, said “It has been lovely to see our wonderful DofE students develop so many important skills and form friendships in their groups as they traverse the wilderness in their canoes! So far, the students have demonstrated their canoeing prowess and excellent teamwork over their training weekends, and we are excited to see them utilise these experiences in the upcoming expedition along the River Wye.”
As part of the final qualifying trip in Wider Skills Week, the students will need to paddle down some rapids, avoid fishermen, admire the odd historic town, observe a wide variety of wildlife, eat large quantities of pasta and most of all have fun.
Wendy Davies, Biology Technician, who has been guiding the group said, “As a staff member I enjoy seeing the different skills and personalities of the students gradually slot together to form teams that are then able to support each other through the various challenges that DofE throws at them like rescuing a sheep from a mud bank or listening to them recite poetry and sing to motivate each other!
The DofE staff team are also busy preparing for next year and welcome any new students to join in September. No previous DofE required!
The DofE team would like to welcome Tom Bass, Divisional Director Maths and Sciences, to the team and look forward to another year of stretching and encouraging the students to discover new skills, friends and fun.
Good luck to the students on their final expedition!
Read about broad range of enrichment programmes, trips and activities to help you extend your knowledge and interests beyond the classroom.
“It was a great experience canoeing with friends and I would really recommend DofE to everyone, I particularly enjoyed our stops in the countryside and cooking some of the finest meals together at the campsite.”
-Max E
“I wasn’t sure about canoeing at first but after the practice I realised its easier than walking as the boats carry all the kit! I’m looking forward to our summer expedition.”
-A happy student
