SILVER Duke of Edinburgh Award

At the end of exam week, Trips Day arrived and Year 10 pupils were looking forward to a weekend on their Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

Their kit was inspected and activities to hone their knowledge of the countryside code and expedition skills were undertaken. After lunch, we loaded the coach and headed to the Peak District.

On arrival we were met by the instructors and pupils pitched their tents and cooked their evening meal, finalising routes and preparing for the next three days of the expedition.

In stark contrast to the practice expedition. the groups were met by early morning sunshine and warmth and the gentle lowing of cows in the cow sheds nearby to set them on their way. With groups leaving at staggered times, we were still on site when the next school group arrived to use the site and we were met with the familiar face of former pupil Rob Tyas, now a group leader in Stoke on Trent. After a quick chat, we packed up and moved to the second camp ready to receive the first groups.

Having set up our site, we were greeted by the joyous sounds of a group who were absolutely delighted to be the first group in, having had some struggles in the practice. Evening activities ensued with pupils joining together for a game of ‘rounders’ improvised with sticks for bats and a found ball. Pupils were also keen to hear news of Coventry City’s exploits in the play-off final and were regularly updated on the score. Once they had all finished their evening chores, they gathered around to watch the penalty decider, although we all know how that ended!

Groups were once again on the move early the next morning and arrived at campsite number three to be rewarded with a glorious sunset over the Peak District, with games and a proper chill out in the evening! The final day dawned to another favourable day of sunshine and groups made their way to the finish at Tittesworth Water, some traversing the famous Roaches on their way and enjoying themselves on the sunbathed banks waiting for the coaches.

It was such a wonderful trip to be part of and staff were impressed with the pupils’ resilience and determination as well as their good humour and constant smiles throughout.

Mr Nicholson