Students of year 9 have been working through various aspects of their expedition training over the past months. Pace is now picking up ready for our practice expedition at the end of May.
Students have been learning about the first aid, country code, navigation and how to us eDofE mapping. In the coming weeks we will be dealing with camp craft. I hope we can cook up some nice things. :-)
If you are in the process of getting kit for your forthcoming expeditions or you just need some new outdoor gear then you can use your DofE card to get the following discounts. Click the image for your downloadable voucher, there are codes on the sheet that you can use online too.
The following links should be viewed before purchasing any kit. Maybe review the handouts from the parents information evening too. If you are in any doubt contact a DofE leader or Mr. Hinks at school. Remember we have a limited number of rucksacks that can be loaned out to students and that we supply tents, gas and stoves.
It is with great pleasure to announce that we have had 2 students this year complete all 3 levels of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme whilst still in full time education here at Queen Mary's High School.
Bronze practice 2014 - Catherine - far left. (Gradbatch White Peak)
Gold Practice - Brecon Beacons 2017
Gold 2017 Expedition Complete - Glossop - Chip shop time! Catherine and Emma center of picture.
Gold Qualification Dark Peak 2017
This just shows how it is possible to complete the awards while still in full time education. Keep collecting evidence, get those sections done and the fun of the expeditions will fit in around your time at school.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards - have an adventure - make some memories.
I am pleased to announce that 2 of this seasons students have just managed that... before we have done our practice expedition. A massive well done to Poppy, Y9, and Michaela, Y11.
Michael
Poppy
Easter is a fabulous holiday for everyone to refresh ahead of the summer term. You DofE students out there could spend some time getting your eDofE in order and adding all the evidence that you have collected and not had the time to get uploaded done. What about chasing up your assessors? Use the online assessor form at - https://edofe.org/Assessor to speed the process up. Make sure you have the contacts and dates correct on your eDofE sections information page.
Clouds hang over the Brecon Beacons - Day 2 year 10 training.
Is this summer! 3 trainees insist on top spot(886m) - Pen-y-Fan 2017
This years summer expeditions for Silver and Gold will see us return to South Wales but this time the Black mountain range. Here the year 11 silver award and year 12 gold award students will carry out their practice expedition in preparation for their September qualification expedition.
Year 11 students must ensure all their preparations are completed well in advance of their exam leave.
During this time the year 10 students who have selected to do the silver award and possible gold in 6th form will under go some training in wild terrain to improve their navigation skills. It will also enable the students to refine their kit and improve their camp craft skills already acquired.
Well in just over 8 weeks our year 9 Bronze DofE students will be getting out in to the great outdoors. They have been working on their sections since the start of the year and in the last few weeks have commenced the training that they need to complete their expedition section.
We will post information, reminders, and useful links that will help students prepare for their DofE adventure.
This section should be supporting your local community this is usually outside of school but there are roles you can take on within the school community. You must ensure it is for a non profit based organisation and your'work' does not replace paid labor.
The physical section is a great section to help you build your fitness or try something new. Remember the expedition will require physical and mental fitness.
Take up a new hobby, develop a skill, take up an interest in something new. The choice for this one is almost endless. If you are stuck for ideas speak to your leaders and use the links to explore the Duke of Edinburgh website.
The above sections should all be complete by the time we return from our training walk and practice expedition. The vast majority should have their awards ready for sign off by the time the summer holidays arrive.
This is the final section that we are now working on. You will need to have completed the training program, a successful practice expedition and the qualifying expedition that meets the 20 EXPEDITION CONDITIONS. Your expedition will have an aim and you will have planned the route via a series of checkpoints. View the LINK to start gathering some ideas for your aim. Finally the video below was prepared by a company who offer DofE programs in the Lake District area. It follows some students from an inner city school in Manchester. It give you a nice feeling for what you are all about to complete in the final term of the year. Sam Sykes - AAP - Video Link
