Successful Bronze D of E Assessed Expedition

Last Saturday and Sunday 24 Year 9 pupils headed to the Marlborough Downs for the challenge of their Bronze D of E assessed expedition. In groups of 4-7 pupils, they had to navigate themselves from Avebury to a camp at Wilcot and then finish near Calne. Thankfully, although it was very hot, temperatures did not reach the heights we have experienced this week, so with hats on, suncream applied and plenty of water they were able to complete their expedition in 'reasonable' conditions.

The first day started with a bit of a hitch in that it was the Summer Equinox and therefore the car park at Avebury was closed, as were all the useful laybys in the local area. We therefore had to affect a quick disembarkation of the minibuses at the side of a road, and to the pupils great delight cut 2 km off the route! With a bit of route alteration the groups were soon on track and all performed really well in navigating their way through unfamiliar country lanes, footpaths and hills.

We were lucky to be the only school group staying at the campsite so had the whole field to ourselves, so after pitching tents and cooking supper the pupils burned off all their extra energy (why did they have any left!?) by playing cricket, frisbee and running races, until 10 at night.

Sunday saw an early start to beat the sun, with the groups up by 5 and on the route by 6. This early start meant that by lunch time all the groups were finished, or thereabouts, so could go home and enjoy the rest of Fathers' Day.

It was a great culmination to our Year 9 Adventure Training programme and it was great to see the pupils putting their skills to good use - it was clear to see their Friday afternoon Adventure sessions had made a big difference to their competence in the outdoors. Well done to all involved.