Seven Year 13 boys, together with nine Year 12 and 13 Windsor Girls, successfully completed the practice expedition for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme last week in the Brecon Beacons.

A challenging week in many respects: no TV or phone signal for the England v Germany game; thunder and lightening on the exposed mountainside; negotiating navigation around a landslide; wild camping; carrying all food and equipment needed for 5 days and 4 nights!  The last night was spent at Llantony Priory (as pictured) which is in a Dark Skies area and in the words of Take That, ‘the stars really did come out that night’! Stunning!

I was incredibly proud when a member of the public, that was camping alongside us, commented how polite and respectful the students’ had been during their stay.  They have learnt how to prepare, pack, plan and navigate, camp, re-plan, care for their feet, cook and carry on despite the rain.

The assessed expedition will happen for these students in September, just before they leave for university. I wish them a restful and successful summer!

Yours in the great outdoors,

Mrs Lawson
Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator