Almost the entirety of Year 9 signed up for Duke of Edinburgh this year, a phenomenal sign-up rate for a voluntary and student-led enterprise. 

The training and assessment for the Bronze expedition took place during Activities Week and, for the first time, two parallel expeditions were needed due to the sheer quantity of participants.

To the North, half of the year group were led by Mr Langley and his team on a route taking in the Quantock Hills whilst, to the South, Miss Wedgewood and her team led a group on a route taking in part of the Blackdown Hills.

The students spent a day learning camp craft, menu preparation, tents/stoves, first aid and kit before undertaking a 14km practice walk to familiarise them with the basics of navigation and map reading, before the main event: two days of 14km with a night of camping in between.

The students were assessed on their navigation, their teamwork and their camp craft. The weather was stunning and the groups maintained their good humour and high spirits throughout the whole of the expedition week. It was a resounding success.

Thanks to Mr Pearson for organising, Mr Langley and Miss Wedgewood for leading and to all of the staff group leaders for their assistance.