Adventure at Bedales

In the final week of term, Bedales students took the opportunity to complete their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award expeditions. 

46 Blocks 4 and 5 students (years 10 and 11) headed to the New Forest for their Silver Assessed expeditions and a further group of sixth formers ventured into Exmoor for their Gold practice. 

Students complete four sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. These involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity. Although the award is very much about individual participants taking responsibility for their own programme, Bedales offers time and support for students to complete the various sections. For the Expedition, students plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim. Modes of travel can include foot, bicycle, boat, canoe or kayak, wheelchair or horseback. The awards are progressive with the Gold expedition lasting five days and the Silver four days. 

Rob Reynolds, DofE Manager at Bedales commented:  

“I hope our students enjoyed exploring the beauty of the National Parks and the sense of teamwork and fulfilment in their achievements. It has been a particularly tough year for students at school and I congratulate them for showing the resilience and determination to complete their awards. The physical challenge of the expeditions is one way our students embrace a spirit of adventure, and push themselves beyond their perceived limits, cross boundaries and discover that they are capable of more than they thought.” 

Recognised internationally, the DofE qualification is designed to develop essential skills for life and work - setting personal challenges, improving self-esteem and building confidence. Students gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive. There’s more information about the DofE Award here.