Over the summer, a record number of Trinity students were busy completing expeditions for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. This prestigious award challenges students to be the best they can be, by building skills in resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive.
Twelve students, now in the Upper Sixth, completed a combined practice and assessment expedition across the South Downs at the beginning of the school holidays. They walked for four days from East Grinstead to the English Channel for their assessment.
A further eight students completed a four-day assessment expedition at the end of July, across the Brecon Beacons in Wales, having already completed their practice expedition there at Easter. The assessment expedition included climbing Pen y Fan on the final day, the highest peak in South Wales at 886 metres above sea-level. Both teams managed to avoid the main heatwaves of the summer, as our Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator, Ms. Benzinski, was monitoring the forecasts very carefully in advance!
Upper Sixth student David Aisa Miller (left) says, “Completing my Gold assessed expedition in Wales has reminded me of the values which are so important to life at school including determination, teamwork and organisation. Although the weather treated us kindly, the hills we surpassed were a challenge for all, but we always overcame them together. Ultimately, DofE has developed the skills which you need for future education and life in a fun, engaging and proactive manner. The trips contain some of my best memories from school, thank you to all those who helped us on our journey.”
A huge congratulations to all our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award students who are also completing 12 months of volunteering, undertaking physical activity, learning a new skill and a residential as part of the programme.
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