Over the past academic year, our adventurous students have been undertaking their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. Students have completed their practice expeditions, made lots of progress with their Skill, Physical, and Volunteering units, and, in the past term, have completed their final Expeditions. Read all about their final expeditions and award progress here:
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh
By Steph Tidey, DofE Manager
On 7 June, we took 35 Year 9 students on their Bronze DofE Expedition. The weather was far from ideal with torrential downpours throughout the entire first day, but students were resilient enough to battle on and complete their route over Black Down and through Cheddar Gorge, finishing at Petruth Paddocks campsite in Cheddar.
Once at the campsite, the sun came out, giving students a chance to dry everything out and cook their meals. Despite training sessions during PASS on food and cooking, and training days to plan meals, DofE food choices are certainly interesting! I see it is a fantastic learning curve for students to independently use a gas stove, plan enough snacks for the whole group, as well as cook a filling, balanced meal for everyone with food preferences and allergies taken into consideration.
The Sunday saw clear blue skies with students meandering their way above Draycott and Westbury and finishing on Priddy Green where parents were eagerly awaiting their arrival. Students had to check in with a staff member every few km along their routes. I placed myself in the beautiful nature reserve at Westbury Beacon. Standing on top of the trig point, I could easily see the groups coming in whilst I enjoyed the view over the channel towards Bridgwater and even the set-up at the Glastonbury Festival site in Pilton.
All groups have brightly coloured matching rucksack covers, which were bought by the PTA a few years ago. These are invaluable in being able to spot our groups in the distance and identify them easily. They are also a great safety feature when routes go down country roads so that they can be spotted in the shade and by vehicles.
All the students successfully passed their expedition, which is one more tick towards their overall award, consisting of four units: Skill, Volunteering, Physical, and Expedition. By the end of the summer, all students should have their awards signed off and ready for the presentation evening in October. This is also the opportunity to sign up for their Silver award, should they wish to continue through the levels.
Well done to everyone involved in Bronze DofE this year – the students for their commitment, the various Sidcot staff involved in assessing units and writing assessor reports, the DofE team for their input into the award this year and the parents for supporting their children!
Silver Duke of Edinburgh
By Graham Hartley, DofE Team
The last of many DofE trips this academic year was to the beautiful Exmoor Hills. Heathery north-facing slopes leading gently down to the sea with fabulous views across the Bristol Channel towards Wales. Except that is when the mist rolls in, and visibility is dramatically reduced. This was the theme of the trip - mist and mizzle or blazing hot sunshine, both challenging in their own way. Neither, however, was anywhere near enough to deter the Year 10 students, who carried three days' worth of equipment and provisions over many kilometres. They were positive throughout the trip and were justifiably very pleased with their achievements when they finished the routes on Sunday afternoon. Very well done to all!
Gold Duke of Edinburgh
By Jack Cartwright, DofE Team
On 11 June, our intrepid Gold DofE cohort headed to North Wales to undertake their qualifying expedition in the rugged Welsh landscape. The week saw a true mix of conditions from hot sun to wet rain and strong winds. The students tackled some tricky routes, including climbing up the Devil's Kitchen next to Tryfan and other challenging walks around the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) mountain area. All of the students were impressive in their resilience, determination, good spirit and teamwork and were a real testament to the school. They all enjoyed the experience and found it a rewarding week spent in nature. Many are already planning a return visit, hoping to climb Yr Wyddfa in more favourable weather.
By Sophia, Head Student
Heated blankets, bubble baths, and home-cooked meals- just a few of the comforts many of us are lucky enough to have, yet so often take for granted. After completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, I can confidently say I will never again underestimate the comfort of a warm bed.
We spent five days camping, including four full days of walking (eight hours a day). Insects biting, feet constantly wet, and rain pouring down- yet through it all, one thing remained constant: the strength of our friendships and the resilience of everyone taking part in this mental and physically demanding challenge.
It was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The most intense moment came at the top of the ‘Devil’s Kitchen’, where thick fog engulfed us and 80-90mph winds tried to sweep us off the ridge. In that moment, it wasn’t just my own strength that got me through, but the people around me: Isaac, who stood on the wind side to shield me; Adam, who talked and distracted me; Summer, who sang with me to lift our spirits; Ned who always checked I was okay and Flo, who shared her dried mango. Without them, it wouldn’t have been nearly as meaningful or memorable.
One of my favourite memories was seeing the determination of the Yellow Group, who ran around 5k with 20-30 kg backpacks just to reach camp before the other teams. The drive, laughter, and shared struggles created bonds that will last a lifetime. There were so many highs and lows, and a mix of positive and challenging moments. All that helped shape us as individuals. We’re now in the process of completing the remaining sections of the award: physical, skills, and volunteering, as well as the residential, where we take on a shared activity away from home with people we’ve never met before. Some are even heading off to incredible places like Portugal or Mount Kilimanjaro to complete this section.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award truly is a life-changing experience, and it perfectly embodies the Sidcot School motto ‘Live adventurously’, and that, we most certainly did!
