Duke of Edinburgh: Easter Term Update

This is the beginning of the busiest time of year for The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

On Sunday 7th February, 19 Year 13 pupils who are starting out on the Gold Award, undertook a dayhike in the Mournes in walking groups of 6-7. They successfully covered approx.17k with staff guidance in snow, mist, harsh winds and some sun!

On Monday 15th February approx. 25 pupils from Years 10 – 12 spent 4 hours volunteering at Netherleigh Lake; clearing branches, laying paths and removing ivy from trees, again with staff supervision.

On Sunday 7th March, 18 Year 12 pupils headed up the Mournes for the first training day of their Silver Award (which they have been working towards since October 2008). The focus was to brush up on navigation, map skills and compass work under the direction of staff. An enjoyable day was had by all - with plenty of snow underfoot (snowballs in the air!), clear skies and a blazing sun; conditions were perfect.

In the coming fortnight all Silver and Gold boys will undertake a First Aid course (Tuesday 16th March) and attend a 3hr training session before they head to the Lake District at Easter. They will cover topics such as emergency situations, campcraft, safety on the hills, correct food/drink, appropriate kit, navigation, the country code and how to correctly pack a rucksack.

On Thursday 25th March, approx. 35 year 12 & year 13 pupils will travel to the Lake District to complete their unaccompanied 4 day practice expeditions in groups of 6-7 in unfamiliar territory. They are following routes which they planned in a 3hr session on Tuesday 2nd March.

The Bronze level (86 year 10 boys) also started their classroom training on Monday 8th March, and over the next few weeks, will begin to learn the basics of navigation, mapskills, compass work, first aid, campcraft in small groups.

Mrs Kelly Magreehan