Expedition Training

Duke of Edinburgh participants spent a day route-planning, tent pitching and cooking outdoors ahead of their expeditions.

In preparation for their Bronze, Silver or Gold award expeditions, 175 students enjoyed a day off timetable, honing their outdoor, first aid and navigation skills.

Bronze participants, Mimi and Maya in Year 9, commented: “It was really fun to work with some peers we didn’t know as well, so it was nice to make new friends.  We were taught to be independent and developed our confidence in so many ways… we enjoyed making our own lunch on a Trangia, and we’re extremely excited for the expedition!”

Victoria, another Year 9 pupil working towards her Bronze Award, has already completed an online first aid training course: “I really enjoyed learning a variety of different skills like how to treat burns, cuts, strokes, spinal injuries… and I now feel confident to use this information in a real life scenario.” 

The Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme is well-established and perennially popular at South Hampstead, with record numbers completing their awards last year, despite the challenges of the pandemic.