DofE Qualifying Expeditions
During the summer holidays, a number of pupils completed the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold and Silver Qualifying Expeditions.
The four teams of Gold participants completed their qualifying venture in Southern Snowdonia, whilst the 38 Silver participants had their assessed expedition in the Brecon Beacons. These expeditions are planned by pupils and are self-sufficient, meaning they had to plot their own routes as teams, navigate independently of adults and carry all of their own kit including food and tents.
The Brecon bunch were treated to incredible weather for the majority of the expedition, with low clouds setting in on the final day. Over four days the Gold cohort successfully navigated through challenging terrain in the Rhinog mountains, camped, explored the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and ascended the towering peak of Cadair Idris. The expeditions have to have a ‘goal’, other than completing an arduous challenge, and Mr Rowley commented that it was good to hear them either talk about what they had learned about flora, fauna, geography and geology or perform a musical account of their adventures in the form of the ‘Cadair Rap’! The expedition is one of five sections of the Gold DofE; they also have to complete a skill, sport, volunteering over about 12 months, and a residential project to earn the award. Once the Silver pupils have completed all of the other sections of their award (Volunteering, Physical and Skill) they too will be awarded their certificate.
All of the pupils performed fantastically and should be incredibly proud of themselves!
The four teams of Gold participants completed their qualifying venture in Southern Snowdonia, whilst the 38 Silver participants had their assessed expedition in the Brecon Beacons. These expeditions are planned by pupils and are self-sufficient, meaning they had to plot their own routes as teams, navigate independently of adults and carry all of their own kit including food and tents.
The Brecon bunch were treated to incredible weather for the majority of the expedition, with low clouds setting in on the final day. Over four days the Gold cohort successfully navigated through challenging terrain in the Rhinog mountains, camped, explored the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and ascended the towering peak of Cadair Idris. The expeditions have to have a ‘goal’, other than completing an arduous challenge, and Mr Rowley commented that it was good to hear them either talk about what they had learned about flora, fauna, geography and geology or perform a musical account of their adventures in the form of the ‘Cadair Rap’! The expedition is one of five sections of the Gold DofE; they also have to complete a skill, sport, volunteering over about 12 months, and a residential project to earn the award. Once the Silver pupils have completed all of the other sections of their award (Volunteering, Physical and Skill) they too will be awarded their certificate.
All of the pupils performed fantastically and should be incredibly proud of themselves!
