Expedition Weekend Round Up: Adventure, Teamwork & New Skills
Last weekend, pupils and students took part in a busy programme of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) activities, travelling to locations across the country for a weekend of outdoor adventure, practical training and teamwork.
From canoeing along the Menai Strait and navigating the Shropshire hills to developing military fieldcraft and experiencing life at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, the weekend provided opportunities to build confidence, independence and resilience beyond the classroom.
Gold DofE Takes on a New Expedition Challenge
Gold DofE at RGS is something I quite honestly will never forget, from standing in the pouring rain to unloading canoes and doing star jumps before getting into my tent to warm up. My wonderful few days away amongst the mountains of Eryri were absolutely brilliant.
I understand that DofE is not everybody’s cup of tea and something that people can find rather daunting and scary. All I can say is to give it a try, get stuck in and you are almost guaranteed to have a good time.
As well as this, the staff members are extraordinary. While I was there, as you might guess, we were all tired and weary. However, the teachers were a constant support and smiling faces, asking and ensuring you had eaten, drunk and slept OK. I can tell you the answer to the food question was always yes!
While we were on our expedition, a member of my group celebrated her birthday. The teachers brought her a cake, which was appreciated by all Gold participants, and even went to the exceptional lengths of drawing and painting a picture of her in a canoe to make into a birthday card. Personally, I thought this was an unbelievably kind gesture and highlights the dedication of the teachers.
DofE runs throughout the School from Bronze to Gold. As a student who is new to RGS Worcester, the transition from Silver in Secondary School to Gold in Sixth Form was easy and very well supported.
Last weekend, we completed our first Practice Expedition in Eryri, North Wales, which, if you have been there, you know is a beautiful place to spend your free time. On the first day, we went in both canoes and sea kayaks on Llanberis Lake. The second day followed with bright sunshine and warm weather, sea kayaking off the coast of Anglesey, where we saw giant jellyfish, seals and dolphins.
The last day was canoeing along the Menai Strait, which at some points was challenging, especially when the currents were particularly quick. However it was an another considerable achievement to have under your belt.
I think DofE is an extraordinary experience and something that every young person should have a chance to take part in.
Cecily, Lower Sixth
Silver DofE Explores the Shropshire Hills
Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award pupils recently travelled to the Long Mynd in Shropshire for their Training Expedition. Accompanied by staff members, the groups received hands-on coaching in essential navigation skills along their routes, followed by campcraft training once they arrived at the campsite.
Pupils displayed outstanding enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the two-day expedition, making the most of the weather, which treated them to bright blue skies and stunning views across the moors.
The valuable skills and experience gained will stand everyone in excellent stead as they prepare for their Practice and Qualifying Expeditions later this academic year.
Mrs Rhodes-Jones, Silver DofE
CCF Army Cadets Put Fieldcraft Skills to the Test at Nesscliffe
This time last year, Storm Amy made its presence felt during the CCF Army Field Training Exercise. This year, the weather once again threatened to cause disruption in the days leading up to the expedition. Fortunately, cadets enjoyed sunshine and mild evenings, making the training exercise a much more pleasant experience.
Thursday evening saw cadets arrive at Nesscliffe, enter tactical mode and make their way to their harbour area. After establishing a triangular defensive position, cadets cooked their evening meal in the field and prepared for Friday’s training.
Friday’s programme included a rotation of training activities delivered by Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) in preparation for the night reconnaissance exercise on a simulated enemy position, alongside the Laser Shotgun activity.
Cadets completed an orienteering exercise to familiarise themselves with the area, followed by a tutorial in map building, a skill they would later use to deliver orders for the night reconnaissance. Training also covered movement and communication when deployed, camouflage and concealment, delivering orders and carrying out section attacks.
As the moon rose, cadets were briefed on their objectives before deploying in sections, led by the SNCOs, to reconnoitre the enemy position, where the opposing force was found to be in high spirits! The exercise concluded at 11.00pm, with significant intelligence gathered.
Following a hearty breakfast in the cookhouse the next morning, cadets carefully cleared their shelter area, removing any remaining signs of their presence, before heading to the coach for a well-deserved rest.
Dr Smith, CCF Army Section
CCF Navy Cadets Experience Life at Britannia Royal Naval College
The CCF Royal Navy Section travelled to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, where cadets had the opportunity to experience Royal Navy life, explore the College and learn more about its traditions and daily routines.
The visit began with a team-building Gun Run challenge, where cadets worked together before moving on to Archery. This brought out their competitive spirits, with group and individual competitions and plenty of attempts to beat Miss Morris’s impressive bullseye on her very first arrow!
Next came swimming, with cadets undertaking the official Royal Navy swimming test, which several successfully passed. The session concluded with some free swimming, complete with pool noodles and a basketball hoop.
The following morning began with breakfast before cadets observed the traditional Morning Colours ceremony. They then took part in a Bridge Simulator exercise, testing their navigation and decision-making skills while discovering who could be trusted to steer the ship safely!
Another valuable experience was a fireside discussion with two Royal Navy officers undergoing rehabilitation ahead of their return to service. The officers shared their experiences of Naval life and provided insight into the process of joining the Royal Navy.
Following the discussion, cadets returned to their accommodation to finish packing before beginning the journey home.
When asked about their favourite moments, cadets highlighted the Gun Run, Archery, swimming test and Bridge Simulator, alongside learning about the College’s history, spending time in the mess with personnel of different ranks and hearing directly from serving officers.
The visit provided an excellent opportunity to develop teamwork, confidence and practical skills while gaining a first-hand insight into life within the Royal Navy.
Miss Morris, CCF Royal Navy Section
