Our first Duke of Edinburgh expedition of 2025 took place over the weekend of May 9th to 11th, involving a group of twenty-eight Year 12 students who camped, hiked, and learned navigation skills along and around Hadrian’s Wall. The group was accompanied by Mr. Wilkinson, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mrs. Pattison, and they were fortunate to enjoy fine, sunny weather throughout the entire weekend.
This year, we have more students than ever participating in the Silver Award. Since our first expedition, additional practice expedition groups have taken place this month with Miss Cassidy, Mr. Peacock, and Mr. Catton.
Once students complete their practice expeditions, they will need to undertake their assessed expeditions in the more challenging terrain of the Borrowdale Valley in the Lake District.
Both staff and students are hoping for continued good weather. In the Lake District, students will be required to independently navigate their route from one camp to another, as well as camp and cook for themselves for three days.
We are grateful to John and Caroline of Adventure Training North East, who organise and assess all our Silver Award expeditions.