On the morning of Sunday 24th March, in glorious weather, the LV (Year 10) set off in teams for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award Practice Expedition. The day started at school with full kit checks and backpacks being weighted to ensure the teams were ready for the long walk to the campsite.

Each team was accompanied all day by an instructor to teach them how to map read and walk safely in the countryside. Once teams arrived at the campsite they were taught how to put up tents and cook safely on trangia stoves. After a cold and noisy night (courtesy of the one of the campsite goats) girls woke to another dry and sunny day which made ideal conditions for cooking breakfast and re-packing backpacks. After checking their maps, teams set off unaccompanied to walk to Avebury to meet the coach taking them back to school. Instructors met them at checkpoints along the way and most teams arrived in Avebury on time. Most girls were very pleased to be back at school again for a warm shower and a good night's sleep. Once term starts again in April the girls will plan their routes and menus for their Final Assessed Expeditions in June.

Mrs Eloise MacLean, DofE Coordinator