Pupils complete their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition.
During the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2017, 55 Year 10 pupils from Cirencester Deer Park School packed their kit and headed to the Forest of Dean for their DofE Bronze Award Qualifying Expedition.
Whilst participants had experienced baking hot summer conditions for their Practice Expedition during Enrichment Week, their Qualifying Expedition involved weather much more typical of early Autumn. Their training, both on and off site with No Limits Development, had prepared them for what lay ahead.
Our eight groups of pupils set off on Saturday from two separate points in the Forest but came together to camp that evening. In the morning they set off intermittently at 20 minute intervals to complete their qualifying expedition. They all finished, tired but triumphant, on Sunday afternoon.
“Duke of Edinburgh was fun but tiring! We got lost so many times, but managed to get on the right track eventually! We were so relieved when we got to the end as we knew we had done it. We had a great night camping and cooking our own food. It was very good and fun!” Ella
“It was great experience and an opportunity to learn useful life skills!” Dan
“Hard work, but all the hard work definitely paid off in the end; a massive achievement!” Esme
I was extremely proud of all the participants who completed their final DofE Qualifying Expedition, across the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2017, and also grateful to the staff for giving up their time to support! The pupils were a credit to themselves and the school and should take great confidence from what they have achieved!
Mr Reed, Deer Park DofE Leader
photo credit: Charlotte
photo credit: Charlotte
Our participants now need to complete the necessary sections on their eDofE for Skill, Physical, and Volunteering as soon as possible. Their Presentation Evening will take place in February 2018.
Doing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award results in gaining new skills, pushing yourself physically, helping others and exploring new territories. There are four sections:
Volunteering is all about making a difference to other people’s lives.
The Physical section is a chance for you to focus on your health and fitness and have fun.
The Skills section is about discovering what you are really good at.
Expedition - As part of a small team, you plan and complete a practice and final expedition that will truly stretch your horizons.
We have launched the DofE Bronze Award to pupils in Year 9. Volunteer, get fit, learn, go on expeditions… what's not to like! This year we have expanded our support team and there are 70 places available to Year 9s. As in previous years, the practice expedition and additional training will take place during Enrichment Week at the start of July.
During the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2017, 55 Year 10 pupils from Cirencester Deer Park School packed their kit and headed to the Forest of Dean for their DofE Bronze Award Qualifying Expedition.
