On Saturday 22nd April and Sunday 23rd April, the current year 11 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh cohort took part in their practice expedition, which took place along the North Downs in Ashford. We arrived as a team at our start point on the North Downs at 8:30am, to meet the two assessors, who were leading the practice expedition. Students were then taken through their navigation skills, such as, how to use a compass, map reading, distance covered, and timing. Once this was complete, along with their kit check, students started their 12 km journey to Dunn Street Farm. Both teams arrived within an hour of each other at the finish point for the day. Along the way, students were able to take in the magnificent scenery the North Downs has to offer, and work on their team skills, such as communication and leadership, which will be vital when they are being assessed in June.

After a long journey, with students carrying an average of 10kg on their back throughout the day, it was time to set up camp and cook for the evening. The students had their two man tents up in no time. However, it was a different story when it came to cooking their hot meals, using a stove and gas. Both teams had decided to have pasta with sauce for their evening meal. The stove came out the winner, as it had more over-cooked pasta stuck to it than the students had to eat! After all dishes and teeth had been cleaned, 9:30 pm and the camp was silent for the night.

Sunday, 6:30 am, lovely sunshine, cows mooing, sheep baaing, students waking, it was the start of day two. Students made breakfast, dismantled their tents and were back in their hiking boots, by 8:00am, for another 12km, to the finish point for the weekend. Both groups had an excellent journey, and made the finish line by 2:00pm. Once the journey had been complete, the students were given a quick debrief, before we made our way back to school, in a very exhausted, but excited mini bus.

A massive amount of praise goes to the students for their outstanding behaviour, along with their endeavour to work together over the weekend, and make the journey as smooth as possible. Also, a big thank you to Miss Massey for volunteering over the weekend, and helping the students keep a smile on their face. Now it is time to get ready for their real assessment, which will take place Saturday 17th-18th June.