A successful Silver DofE qualifying expedition to the Brecon Beacons...

Flickr album: Silver DofE - June 2024 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

On Friday 21^st June, 33 5^th Form pupils set off to the Brecon Beacons for their three-day silver qualifying Duke of Edinburgh expedition. 

In spite of a very long coach trip up on the Friday; two hours of which was spent stationery on the old Severn Bridge due to an accident further ahead, the pupils arrived safely at Newcourt Farm Campsite, just outside of Talgarth, and had just enough time to pitch tents and eat before the sun went down. 

Day 1 - saw all five groups head in a south easterly direction in search of Twmpa (Lord Hereford's Knob) which stands at a proud 680m. From the summit, pupils made their descent in perfect hiking conditions back to base. The lovely summer evening was spent relaxing and nursing the beginnings of blisters; which surely came on due to the very warm, humid conditions. Teamwork and care between group members was outstanding; with staff at no stage sensing tension or difficulty amid some challenging conditions. 

Day 2 - the north easterly loop to Gospel Pass began early, with all groups out before 8.45am. While there were some navigational blips as fatigue started to set in, all groups completed their routes; taking in breathtaking scenery from the sun-drenched ridges. This was followed by a stunning evening back at camp, where pupils played, laughed and sang together until it was time to get to bed. 

Day 3 - Knowing that the end was in sight, pupils were up and gone promptly on the morning of day three, with a much flatter 10km route all that stood between them and a successful completion. Another day of excellent teamwork meant that all groups had got to Hay-on-Wye by 2pm, leaving them with enough time to enjoy the pleasures of such a quaint, historic, café-besieged town. All pupils who competed, passed with flying colours, with Assessor David and his fabulous pooch Woody, was hugely impressed with our brilliant boys and girls. 

In what for me was my final expedition for King's, after 11 wonderful years of seeing boys and girls excel beyond the school boundaries, my colleagues and I were in agreement that this group were as good as any we have seen. With no exception they showed teamwork, leadership, resilience, respect, kindness and positivity in abundance - with staff often able to simply look on impressed and proud. Gold DofE should be a no-brainer for all of these folks. 

My thanks and gratitude for not just this weekend, but for many years between them of support and help with DofE at King's go to David Hamlin, Woody, Nicky Checketts and our very own Kate Stainton; who has now completed 11 years of DofE service at King's. I wish next year's King's DofEers all the best for more trips away to our amazing UK national parks. 

Tom Loveless - DofE Leader

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