King’s Pupils Practice Skills on Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions

Over fifty King’s pupils took part in Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions over the Easter holidays.

The Silver and Gold expeditions were valuable opportunities for the participants to practice and develop a range of outdoor skills before their assessed expeditions later this year.

Silver Practice Expedition

Thirty-four Fifth Form students spent the start of the Easter holiday in Dartmoor completing their Silver DofE Practice expedition.

All six teams completed an intense first day on the moor with instructors, developing navigation and route finding skills, before an overnight camp. Conditions under foot were uncharacteristically dry and blue skies afforded amazing views.

On days two and three, the teams became more independent, working as a team to complete a route taking in several tors of Dartmoor. This included wild camping on the moor – an incredibly memorable and exciting highlight for the group.

This was a hugely successful preparation ahead of the qualifying expedition at the end of June.

Gold Practice Expedition

Twenty-two Lower Sixth students spent four days in Snowdonia completing their Gold Practice DofE expedition.

Thankfully, the bleak weather forecast did not fully materialise on arrival on the first day. This gave an ideal opportunity for students to develop their mountain skills on a scramble up the east ridge of Moel Siabod before camp.

Over the remaining three days and nights, the teams completed a self-reliant expedition demonstrating strong teamwork and an ability to cope in tough weather and demanding terrain.

Their efforts were rewarded on the final day when the clouds parted, and the full beauty of the Snowdon Range could be enjoyed.

Students can now look forward to their assessed expedition in the Lake District which will take place in mid-August.