Year 11 Duke of Edinburgh Students in the Peak District
Over fifty year 11 Silver Duke of Edinburgh students returned on Saturday 29th September, from four tough days on a training expedition in the Peak District. The boys and girls camped at the Pindale Campsite on the Wednesday afternoon and made their way to Edale on the Thursday and Friday, finishing off the expedition at Castleton on the Saturday. The students developed many skills over the four days, including navigation, leadership, camp-craft, team work and Country Code knowledge along the way. Students were trained by staff over the first few days and by the Friday set off independently in their groups putting their skills into practice. A few students found the hills a tough challenge, but true character prevailed and for the first time on a DOE trip all students completed the training. Tiwanijesu Olasoko achieved more than she realised, she said the following ‘’D of E was pretty hard for me, but it was also an opportunity for me to realise my abilities and how much I could do’’.
Students now need to focus on the other sections of their Award – Volunteering in the local and school community, picking up a new Skill and part taking in a form of Physical activity. Over the year the students will receive more training in preparation for their Summer Qualifying Expedition in the White Peak area of the Peak District.