Adventuring under the Welsh sunshine
A group of thirty-nine Year Ten students completed their Silver DofE expedition in the Black Mountains (Brecon) at the end of last term and the weather could not have been any more different than the previous wet and cold practice expedition in March. Camping in dry and sunny conditions made the experience much more enjoyable for all pupils this time.
The groups walked a part of Offa’s Dyke Path up to Hay Bluff’s trig point, culminating at 677 metres before dropping-off to Newcourt Farm Campsite where pupils stayed both nights. This was an excellent starting point for the walk on the third day, where pupils climbed up and over the hill again to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir.
Each day, pupils showed determination, resilience and excellent team spirit. It was great to see them improvise a game of cricket in a field using a frying pan and laughing around a game of cards in the evening. The group had a chance to reflect on their experience by completing their presentation straight after the expedition; the photos they shared made us smile and enabled us to reminisce the challenges and successes of the last few days.
I would like to thank the staff who volunteered their time and energy in this expedition: Mr Batchelder, Mr Jay, Mr Garden, Mr Alexander, Mrs Rhodes, Mrs Faddy-Widmann and Tom Ehlers. We said goodbye to Tom and Mrs Rhodes who have both shared their expertise and enthusiasm with students. I wish them both well in their future endeavours.
It is also my turn, as I leave RGS, to hand over the Silver Award leadership to Mr Jay. I have no doubt that his extensive experience and love for the outdoors will inspire pupils to complete all sections of the Award in the future.
Miss Julie Gidon, DofE Silver Manager.