The President’s Award

is year Mr. Backhouse took the reins as Peponi’s President’s Award Coordinator. One of the new developments has been the introduction of a new Monday after-school session during which participants at all levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) have undertaken training, mostly relating to the adventurous journey (expedition) section. e participants have attended sessions ranging from nutrition and camp cooking, rst aid, equipment and navigation to group activities based around expedition scenarios.

Our Bronze group (consisting of 73 pupils from Shell) successfully completed their qualifying expedition at Kakuzi Ranch from 19-20th May. For many of them this was th rst time taking responsibility for the planning and completion of an overnight hiking and camping expedition. Although challenging, the pupils have now learned something about themselves as well as demonstrating resilience in going outside of their comfort zone.

Earlier in the year a group of pupils from Lower Fifth and the Sixth Form undertook the arduous ascent of Mount Kenya’s Lenana Peak (4,985m above sea level) for their Silver and Gold expeditions. Impressively, all pupils made it to the top. In doing so they showed impressive determination as well as group solidarity in looking out for each other.

Beyond the expedition side of PA, the pupils have also completed a range of activities which count towards their skill, physical recreation and voluntary service sections. e Forest School has been a popular choice for the latter, with pupils contributing regularly