Bronze Expedition

Over the course of Friday 16 to Sunday 18 May inclusive, over 140 Year 9 students successfully completed their Qualifying Bronze Expedition.  This expedition took place in the picturesque Chiltern Hills, as the groups trekked the footpaths.  The students were keen and mostly in high spirits and after their pre-expedition briefing from the staff at Wendover Woods, they set off on their routes.  With the cohort traveling on different routes to Berkhamsted, it was time to put the skills they have learnt this past year to the test.  As they walked their routes, they checked in with staff and were assessed by staff members who are trained DofE Assessor’s to ensure they are meeting the 20 expedition conditions, including navigation and compass skills.

All three days served up perfect walking weather, warm and sunny but with a bit of cloud cover and a fresh breeze at times.  It was great to see the groups working collaboratively together and make excellent time on their routes.  Some groups found navigating the various footpaths, forests and open spaces difficult but showed great resilience to ensure they made it to the camp site.

At the campsite, they completed their camp craft and spent time cooking their evening meals.  The students enjoyed themselves and reflected on the day to ensure they implemented any improvements for day two.  They were soon off to their tents for a well earned night's sleep ahead of their day two journey.  As the morning came, the students were met with a chilly morning where they had to cook their day two meal as well as ensuring the campsite was completely spotless before setting off.  The groups were determined to put right any mistakes from day one to get to their finish point.

The students who took part on the expedition all showed exemplary behaviour, determination and resilience throughout.  With our staff members commenting on how great it is to see them flourishing outside of the Academy in a different environment.

Silver Expedition

On Friday 16 May over 120 Silver DofE students departed to Berkhamsted for their practice expedition.  As they arrived, they took part in a training day where they spent time discussing the reason behind why they wanted to complete the award as well as a practical session on equipment.  Once they had reflected, they spent time packing their bags, setting up their tents and a practical session on navigation.  After a brief reminder about the safe use of a Trangia stove, the students set about cooking their evening meals, something many had never done before.  After a range of interesting and at times, curious meals had been consumed, there was time in the cooling evening to relax together in beautiful surroundings.  By 10.00pm, all had realised that sleep was the best option.

A calm and slightly chilly morning greeted students as they emerged from their tents at around 6.30am on Saturday morning and before long, all were busy cooking and packing up ready for the adventure ahead.  In the morning, the participants set off on their route, that went over the Ivinghoe Beacon which had some stunning views.  With the weather in their favour in the morning while the sun beamed down, all the students took it in turns to navigate and by the end of the day, they had thoroughly developed their expedition skills.  All participants were encouraged to have a go at navigating, in the hope that by the end of the experience, everyone would have developed this skill set.  Although some found the experience harder than others, staff were once again impressed with the attitude and support that the participants showed one another.  During the evening reflection, they discussed about what they had learnt and what they would do differently next time; by way of food, nutrition, kit and walking as a group.

On Sunday morning the students set off determined to improve their performance and the staff were happy with what they saw and enjoyed seeing our Year 10 and Year 12 students in a different context.  We are confident that they are well prepared for their Qualifying Expedition in July.  A massive well done to all the participants and a thank you to the Wren staff and Berkhamsted school for your on going support.