The Duke of Edinburgh Expedition

The Duke of Edinburgh Award was established in 1956 by the late Prince Phillip and it is An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers. There are four sections to complete at Bronze level, they involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition. The award takes all year to complete and relies heavily on the participant being the driving force. During lockdown participants have ensured that they engaged appropriately with the programme, particularly the skills sections where they have perused personal goals to learn a new skills. Throughout the year they have completed the different sections of the course and have continued this beyond the expected timeframe for the award.

Last week saw us go out on expedition and combine all the skills and knowledge we have developed over the course of the year.

Within the Duke of Edinburgh programme there are 20 conditions that must be met in order to pass, seven of which are directly linked specifically to the expedition;

12. All expeditions must be by the participants’ own physical effort, without motorised or outside assistance. Mobility aids may be used where appropriate to the needs of the participant.

13. All expeditions must be unaccompanied and self-sufficient. The team must be properly equipped, and supervision must be carried out remotely.

14. Teams must possess the necessary physical fitness, first aid and expedition skills required to complete their expedition safely.

15. Groups must adhere to a mobile phone use policy as agreed with their Expedition Supervisor and Assessor. This agreement should also include use of other electronic equipment.

16. Participants must behave responsibly with respect for their team members, Leaders, the public and animals.

17. Groups must understand and adhere to the Countryside /Scottish Outdoor Access, Highway and Water Sports Codes (as appropriate).

18. Participants must plan an appropriate expedition menu, including cooking and eating a substantial hot meal on each day. This is optional on the final day.

Participants went the extra mile and dug deep to meet the conditions and I was particularly pleased with the high levels of independence shown by many of the participants, working as part of a team, supporting one another to achieve a common goal. Over the course of the two days participants grew and developed in confidence and as it grew into a harder challenge it would’ve been easy for them to give up but they showed amazing commitment and perseverance to get the job done without any complaining and showed the right attitude. They should be immensely proud of themselves, just as their parents and carers are and the whole school community.

Well Done Everyone!!!!!