Eleven Sixth Form students have completed two tough expeditions, conquering rocky terrains and challenging environments to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold awards.
Over the course of a fortnight, two teams undertook expeditions, with the Silver team, consisting of learners Yash Brahmbhatt, Hardik Choudhary, Abi Martin, Isha Nayee, and Trishna Radia, completing a three day trip in the Peak District. Meanwhile the Gold award team, students Emily Bakewell-Smith, Charlie Clynick, Saad Modak, Rishi Parmar, Akina Singh-Gaheer, and Hemani Visavadia, undertook four days in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.
Students chose to enrol onto the DofE Award as part of their A Level extra-curricular enrichment programme and have been working independently towards completing all the required sections.
Sophie Diaper, Pastoral and Personal Development Lead for Sixth Form aided the learners throughout their awards, commenting, “It has been a pleasure to support the first cohort of sixth form students through their Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions at both silver and gold levels.
“The aim of the award is designed to develop self-reliance, self-confidence, and a sense of adventure whilst also encouraging students to overcome challenges and to manage risks as an independent team of peers.”
Thousands of young people take part in DofE expeditions each year. A significant part of the award is completing the training and planning required to undertake a self-sufficient expedition, which will in turn encourage new skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, and offer young people a new advantage for future prospects.