By Dr Howe (DofE Manager)

Over half term, twenty adventurous Lower Sixth students set off for the Yorkshire Dales to complete their three-day Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition. Joined by Mr Bowden, Mrs Sadler, Miss Sadler, Mr Thurston and me, the group faced a range of testing conditions, dramatic scenery and more hills than any Bedfordshire resident is used to encountering.

It was a varied and rewarding experience. We were extremely impressed with all four groups - their cooperation, support for one another and the positive approach they all maintained throughout.

Fleur Mount (Lower Sixth) reflected: “Our DofE Gold practice expedition was exciting yet challenging. The first day brought pleasant weather and everyone was in good spirits. Morale dipped slightly on the second, more difficult day as we walked in pouring rain, but the announcement that we would be staying in a bunkhouse rather than camping that evening gave everyone a much-needed boost.

“Although navigating across moorland was difficult at times, it pushed us all out of our comfort zones and encouraged strong teamwork. Overall, it was a great way to spend half term, and we all felt excited and prepared for the real expedition in the Lake District at the beginning of the summer.”

I am delighted that all twenty students will now be heading into their qualifying expedition, with the added challenge of summiting Blencathra.

View photos from the expedition here.