Bronze DofE

Year 9 pupils have embraced this year’s Duke of Edinburgh Award with a difference…

Last weekend, over 90 pupils headed to the Chilterns Hills to embark on their training expedition. Although Covid-restrictions prevented overnight camping, the groups successfully battled the wind to pitch their tents (albeit in a carpark). The girls gained valuable navigation experience, cooked dinner on Trangia stoves, and learnt how to dodge the local cows. One group had a surprise visit from Mrs Bingham and her dog Max, who were clocking up some miles for her Woodland Trust eco-challenge. 80% of the year group joined the expedition, covering more than 25km over the course of two days.

The girls are now well-prepared for their assessed expedition in June and looking forward to some proper camping and navigating – without any help from leaders if they get lost this time!

Pupils are finding creative ways to complete their awards this year,  learning new skills and giving back through a variety of community work projects. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is well-established and perennially popular at South Hampstead; despite the challenges of the pandemic, we had record numbers completing their Bronze Award last year.