Y11 Bronze ‘Assessed’ DofE

Another weekend and another expedition; the DofE Staff Team have been working hard to ensure as many students as possible get the opportunity to sign-off an award after 18 months of lockdown disruption. 

This weekend, it was the turn of Year 11 to participate in their Covid-19 delayed Bronze Assessed expedition, having undertaken their Practice expedition before the first lockdown.  During the successive lockdowns, we have been busy behind the scenes creating online modules and honing the student training sessions to ensure that they get as much out of them as possible.  Year 11 spent Day 1 of the weekend in their groups rotating around teaching on navigation, tent pitching, using Trangias as well as a full kit check and detailed test on the training modules. 

On Day 2, students set off from Chelsfield bright and early, having spent the previous evening working on their route cards.  The teams were split across two different routes walking in opposite directions; both routes were circular with multiple check points to cover.  We were pleased to see several other secondary school DofE groups also walking in the same area – a testament to the importance of the DofE Award Scheme to young people. 

With the end of term around the corner, we look forward to a trip to Black Mountains in two weeks’ time with Year 13 for their Practice expedition; the same group will wrap up their Award with the Assessed expedition in Snowdonia in mid-August.  

Well done to all the students for persevering with their awards despite the Covid-19 uncertainty, and, once again, a huge thank you to all the staff helpers: Mrs Andrews, Mrs Attwood, Mr Carroll, Miss Difford, Mr Haines, Mr Jewson and Mrs Wiltshire.