On the last day of the Summer Term, a record number of Lower Sixth students embarked on their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition. Their mission was to spend four days and four nights navigating, unsupported, through the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia National Park.
The 60 pupils (this year’s Upper Sixth) each filled a huge 70-litre rucksack with all their belongings, camping equipment and the food they would need to sustain them, and set off on the four-day trek.
Despite the heatwaves experienced throughout much of the summer, our students had a wet and challenging start to their adventure, as they arrived at the first campsite to horizontal rain and fading light. The groups showed real resilience to make it through the first couple of days and as they slowly worked through their supplies and their rucksacks began to lighten, it was soon clear they would all make it to the finish line.
The Gold expedition requires eight hours of activity per day and a lot of tenacity, which the students showed in spades. There were a lot of contented smiles and laughs shared as the groups came together and reflected on their experience over cheesy chips at the finish line.
Well done to all the groups who made it through together, with bonds strengthened and memories made along the way. For pupils interested in taking on the challenge this academic year contact Miss Birch, Head of Duke of Edinburgh.
