This year, 88 girls in Year 9 have enrolled onto DofE Bronze Award and, this term, they have completed the first stages of the programme.

During the Year 9 Teambuilding Day at the start of term, the girls had an opportunity to learn many useful skills overseen by official DofE instructors – for example, making a cup of hot chocolate using Trangia and putting up a tent.

Then, on Saturday 10^th October, the girls took part in their first training walk starting at Whaley Bridge in High Peak, Derbyshire. The main aim of the walk was to practise navigation skills using compasses and paper maps. The groups all found their way up and towards Lyme Park and then back down to Whaley Bridge supervised by an instructor.

The girls showed great resilience and determination in the face of torrential rain at the start of the walk but were rewarded by improved weather later on. All groups successfully completed their practice walk, gaining invaluable skills in preparation for the Qualifying Expedition in February next year.

Meanwhile, the Year 9 pupils will work on completing their volunteering, physical and skills sections of the Award.

DofE Bronze Coordinator, Ms Kusznir said: “Well done to all! I am hoping this experience of taking on a challenging walk and working together towards a common goal has whetted your appetite for the Qualifying Expedition.”