The end of the first half of the Autumn term meant that many pupils and staff members could look forward to a well-deserved break. However, for those select pupils taking on the Silver Duke of Edinburgh challenge this academic year, the half term break meant the perfect opportunity to tackle a practice expedition. Twenty five Year 11 boys and four members of staff busied themselves with last minute preparations, before heading to the Chilterns. The expedition, which provides the pupils working towards a DofE award with skills necessary to pass the assessed piece of the course, took place a little closer to home than usual. Groups are often travelling to places further afield such as the Scottish highlands, to experience the challenges against a tricky terrain!
The group departed in the dark and headed to the overnight camp at Braid Wood campsite, near Chesham. This was going to be the base for the first night. Tents were erected in the dark, final kit checks were done and the group settled down for a good night’s sleep, ready for an early start the following morning. Unfortunately, the predicted rain did fall and everyone was treated to a damp, drizzly morning – ideal expedition weather! Despite this, the groups were in good spirits and set about their tasks, preparing breakfast, packing the tents and kit away, and getting ready to set off in good time.
The groups were then split for the remainder of the expedition, walking a three day circular route, with two groups walking in each direction. Each group planned a different route and walked independently, supervised by staff who met them at various check points and stages along the way. Luckily, the wet weather subsided as the day progressed, and it stayed dry for the remainder of the expedition. The groups camped at different sites each day, and were responsible for setting up camp, preparing evening meals and breakfast, as well as packing everything away the following morning, and departing for the next campsite.
After three days of solidly walking, the groups arrived back at the Braid Wood campsite, where the pupils took the chance to clean the kit before returning to Shiplake College. Each member of the group threw themselves into the practice expedition, working very well together, and in conditions that were far from ideal. Head of DofE Mr Steve Macpherson commented that ‘the groups were clearly enthusiastic and motivated for the challenge, eager to put their skills to the test ahead of the assessed expeditions. Aside from a few navigational issues along the route, the performance of the pupils was high. We are all now looking forward to their assessed expeditions in the slightly wilder Brecon Beacons were all the skills will be put to the test under the watchful eyes of the DofE assessors.’
