Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition

 Year 10 had been waiting eagerly for their big trip. They had planned and practised for a fair while in the run up but were greeted with some pretty unseasonable weather on the morning they set off.

Low mist hung over the hills and even though they still put on a brave face, there was still a general air of "Why is it like this in Summer?"

The bus parked at Hollybush, close to the most Southerly tip of the hills and at just after half ten the four set off to head for the top of Raggedstone Hill to begin their walk.

To be fair, the climb to the top of Raggedstone was quite a challenge but as the gang got to the top, something unexpected happened....

...the weather began to clear.

So, as they set off morale had taken an unexpected turn, all in the space of an hour.

So off they set, followed by staff who were to supervise them remotely, heading for the designated checkpoint a couple of miles away at the foot of the British Camp.

And there staff waited. And waited.

Two and a half hours later the group came into view.

They proceeded to explain that they had taken an unscheduled detour and added that time and an extra three miles to their walk wandering aimlessly around News Wood on the western flank of the Herefordshire Beacon. Oh my, how staff sympathised with their plight!

The rest of the yomp across the hills was relatively uneventful after the initial hiccup but time was ticking and it was a great relief to see the sign to the campsite and finally see the camp for the evening.

They spent a while sorting out their food and then moved on to setting up the tents.

Much mirth was had amongst the group with the efforts of each other.

Once the tents were up, we moved down to the fire site and they were able to demonstrate their prowess at starting a fire. It was reassuringly painful to watch, so with some help from the group leader a hearty fire was roaring away in no time.

They enjoyed a fabulous few hours, roasting marshmallows and each other...it was a great way to see them in such a unique setting and being given the opportunity to experience some recreational time and let their hair down (within reason).

The next days return leg was made easier by the change in the weather. It lifted the spirits of the group until the last couple of miles when all of the group began to feel the impact of their endeavours.

One of the group set off with a mile to go and ran all the way back.

When back at the bus, he explained that if he hadn't got it over quickly he would have never finished. 

On returning to the school at the end of it all...he sat silently in reflection, unemotional and triumphant.

The whole expedition was a revelation. The group was supportive, resourceful and showed great spirit and commitment throughout.

They will push forward in the beginning of Year 11 to complete the further three modules to hopefully all achieve their Bronze Award.