DofE Bronze Training Begins for Year Nine

Swapping their school bags for hiking packs, Year Nine pupils began their expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award last Friday with a dedicated training weekend. Heading into the local countryside, they developed essential skills in self-sufficiency, navigation and teamwork, marking an important step away from digital navigation and towards the use of compass and OS maps.

The challenge centred on a significant trek from Malvern to Upton-upon-Severn. While the weekend began with light showers on Friday, the weather soon cleared to provide sunshine on Saturday, offering excellent conditions for a day on the trail. Pupils took the lead on their own navigation and, while they found themselves “temporarily misplaced” a few times, these minor detours provided valuable opportunities to practise reorientation. Pupils showed great initiative in finding their way back on track, with all groups reaching their destination in high spirits and with remarkably few blisters!

Life at the campsite was equally successful, as groups transitioned from hikers to outdoor chefs. The evening was spent cooking on Trangia stoves, with pupils working together to prepare well-earned meals. These shared moments are often the most memorable parts of the experience.

Staff were incredibly impressed by the resilience and maturity shown throughout the weekend. Pupils developed their practical skills and demonstrated strong teamwork and support for one another during a physically demanding challenge. We now look forward to seeing them build on these skills during their qualifying expedition in July.

Miss S Baker, Assistant Head of Year Seven, Teacher of Mathematics and Section Leader i/c the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award