On Saturday 8th February the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh participants came into school for a training day in preparation for their camping expeditions, the first of which takes place in two weeks.

The girls took part in a range of sessions that tested their ability to work as a team. They learnt how to safely use, take apart and put back together a Trangia cooker. The pupils completing their Bronze Award had a go at safely putting up and taking down a tent and were all reminded of the need for a good warm sleeping bag! They also had an introduction to map reading where they looked at the 12km walk they will be completing.

The girls completing their Silver Award spent additional time plotting and planning their 18km walking route, discovering how to read the contour lines of an OS map which allows them to predict how long the walk should be. The girls then completed a session on First Aid. Some of the girls particularly enjoyed acting as the casualty!

The day was brilliantly assisted by Rosie Walsh in Year 12 who is undertaking her Gold Award, and who has volunteered to guide the pupils through their Silver Award this year.

A successful training day all round, it looks to be a fantastic expedition at the end of the month. Let’s hope the weather is on our side!