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Gold DofE Autumn Term 2025
4th November 2025

Friday 17th October marked the end of the Half Term for most pupils at College, but not all, as 10 SFC1 students began their practice expedition for the Gold Award of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.

They took a short trip to Talybont-on-Usk in Wales, and after some preparation time, they had their first night in the tents they would call home for the next four nights.

Saturday, the first official day of the expedition, started with some equipment checks and navigation training, followed by the first walk. The group set off strongly, and their superb navigation skills and teamwork were quickly evident. With constant rain and winds, the theme of the expedition was soon established.

The groups were hit by persistent rain for the first three days of the trip, with only very short periods of dry weather. Strong wills and mental strength were evident across the groups, as pupils pulled together to get through the toughest conditions we had seen in a long time. Each night, the students had to change out of their wet clothes and into dry ones, and cook in the rain. We cannot praise them enough for keeping morale high and getting the job done.

Luckily, the last day saw a break from the wet conditions, and students returned home proud of what they had achieved. Well done to everyone, and fingers crossed for better weather for the assessments in the summer!

Mr Allison, Teacher of Outdoor Education

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