Susan writes: Over the past few months 55 (new) Year 10 pupils have been taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, which consists of 3 months of volunteering work, 3 months of skill work, and 3 months of physical work. The aim of the programme is to teach young adults teamwork and to make them into fit, independent and responsible citizens.

Our pupils spent a number of weeks getting ready for their Practice Expedition, gathering supplies needed, such as tents and rucksacks. Pupils spent one night camping at school and preparing for their Practice Expedition which took part near the end of Enrichment Week.

On Thursday 6 July, pupils were dropped off at Stratford Park in Stroud to embark on their Practice, which consisted of 16 hours of walking over 2 days, pitching a tent to sleep in and cooking both evening meal and breakfast.

The Practice Expedition was run by No Limits Development and members of school staff, who accompanied the pupils throughout the trip, leading the expedition and giving support to all pupils. This Practice Expedition and the activities done during Enrichment Week will help the pupils complete their final assessed Expedition which will take place in September.

On Monday 3 July, 55 Duke of Edinburgh participants from (new) Year 10 started training for their Expedition. They arrived at school with their camping kit and walking gear and were trained by leaders from No Limits on first aid, camping and the general expedition.

On Tuesday they walked through Cirencester Park in their groups, orienteering to find their way back to base. Then they set up their tents at the bottom of the school field and prepared to spend the night camping. Members from each group walked to a local supermarket to purchase food they would cook and eat for that night and the next morning. On Wednesday, they completed their routes cards and maps for the final expedition, which will take place in September in the Forest of Dean, and spent a relaxing afternoon, enjoying the heat and refreshing water at Cirencester Open Air Pool.

At 9am on Thursday morning the groups were transported to Stratford Park in Stroud where they were briefed and they set off on their route to Cranham carrying packs. The good weather helped to make the camping more comfortable. On Friday morning the groups set off early on their return journey; covering 23km in total.

“I feel really proud to have accomplished such a challenging task, and it’s taught me that I’m capable of much more than I think possible” says Charlotte.