The birth of a lamb, a hot-air balloon and a police escort made for an unusual Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) weekend!

On an April weekend where the weather produced four seasons in one day, soggy then hot and all matter of weather in between, 54 Year 10 girls met at Wendover to begin an expedition in the Chiltern Hills for their bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award assessment.

Bronze level, one of the Upper School co-curricular activities, is for Year 10 students. Alongside the expedition section, students are expected to commit to a physical, undertake volunteering and a learn a skill, for up to 6 months.  We offer a training day in October where they learn basic map skills, campcraft and complete a first aid course. This is followed by a training walk and a two-day qualifying expedition in Wendover.

The plan was for six hours of walking each day, with the aim of reaching Ellesborough Guide Centre to set up camp. The group showed excellent preparation, resilience and determination on the hike. The tent assembly and meal preparation flexed their efficiency and teamwork muscles. When they encountered an unexpected construction blocking their path their problem-solving ability was evident. All groups created a full meal al fresco and enjoyed sharing their culinary prowess with other groups.

Having woken up to the smell of a warm breakfast on the final day, the girls were fuelled and excited to complete the course. Over the weekend the group spotted a hot air balloon, were present at the birth of a lamb and the peak of the excitement was the police escort. We are extremely proud of all students who passed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).