The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is designed to challenge young people and goes a long way to developing character and employability skills that are essential for our students’ future. Our girls get to develop these skills whilst making memories and friendships that stay with them for years to come.

Year 10 girls had all these qualities in abundance as they completed their two-day expedition in the Chilterns Hills as part of their Bronze assessment. They demonstrated good map skills, compass skills and put their camp craft expertise into practice by erecting their tents promptly and cooking on their trangia stoves. Not even the hail and rain dampened spirits!

Year 13 embarked on their Gold expedition to Morocco which proved to be as challenging as it was rewarding. Students spent time with Berber families taking part in traditional activities such as bread baking and worked with the community to make an incinerator before heading off on a demanding four day trek across the Atlas Mountains. Six students have subsequently completed their Gold award and await the official presentation at Buckingham Palace.  An amazing achievement given only 3% nationally of girls who start the award at 16 complete their Gold Award.