Meanwhile, our Lower Sixth pupils have been pursuing their own Gold adventures with 29 pupils successfully completing their Expedition Section during the Summer Term. This was a task of two halves. The practice expedition in Brecon saw participants come up against arduous weather conditions of high winds and sustained periods of heavy rain.
Equipment and skills were fully tested over the three-day training course, where pupils learned the key skills of navigation and group management in mountainous country. Thankfully pupils were rewarded with fabulous conditions across a challenging four-day self- sufficient qualifying expedition in Eryri National Park a few weeks later. The views were spectacular and the wild camps provided a really special wilderness experience.
Year 10 Bronze participants have also been working towards their awards. The big Bronze Expedition took place over the Coronation weekend with eighty pupils completing a 30km course over two days in the Pang Valley area, enjoying a stay at either Rushall Farm or Thirtover Place campsites. These pupils now move on to complete their skill and physical sections, with a view to getting their Volunteering Section completed through their Monday afternoon CSP/ CCF options by the end of this year.
2023 has also seen the launch of a Silver fast-track programme for pupils in Year 11 who complete their full Bronze Award by Christmas in the Fifth Form. A small group of seven girls entered the programme and completed their Silver practice expedition in Dorset during the final week of the Summer Term.
The introduction of Silver DofE completes the DofE portfolio at Bradfield, filling a gap in Year 11 where GCSE commitments mean fewer opportunities for outdoor expeditions. The experience also offers the opportunity to explore some of Britain’s spectacular coastal scenery and we look forward to seeing the programme grow over the coming years.
