Another successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme has seen 22 students develop essential skills, discover new talents, and contribute to their community through a variety of volunteering.
This weekend saw our 23-24 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze cohort complete their expedition in Saddleworth and the surrounding area.
Students began their expedition at Dovestones Reservoir, navigating through the villages of Uppermill, Diggle, Dobcross and Delph before heading up to Grains Bar and setting camp at Dog Hill Scout Camp on Crompton Moor.
Students cooked their evening menu which they had planned alongside their walking group using camping stoves. Though some menus lacked a bit of imagination they certainly did the job of refuelling hungry stomachs after a long days hiking.
Sunday saw the groups navigate their way through Milnrow heading over to Ogden and Piethorne Reservoir where students successfully completed their expedition with time to spare to get home to catch the England game.
There is much more to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award than just the expedition element. The students need to volunteer their time in a charitable activity, for at least an hour a week over three months. Our students this year picked up litter, provided support for faculties in school, and organised activities to raise money for humanitarian relief in Gaza.
Developing a new or existing skill is another important feature of the award and once again this year our young people have demonstrated an impressive range. Some students have got creative with henna painting and knitting, others taking a sporting route, officiating in badminton competition and enhancing their sports leadership skills. Even the school production has provided opportunities.
The final element before the expedition rounds everything off has been accepting a physical challenge, taking part in sports that may not have been well known to the students. With the excellent sports facilities we have available, the physical activity has included badminton, netball, shokk gym, table tennis, rugby league, and basketball.
