Duke of Edinburgh Award 2025

Year 10 Complete Final Expeditions in July! (PE - 18/09/2025)

Our current Year 11 students successfully completed the final two expeditions for their Duke of Edinburgh Award this July. Throughout the last academic year, they engaged in a range of voluntary, physical, and skills-based activities, culminating in two overnight camping expeditions held a week apart in the local countryside.

Accompanied by Ms Gibbs, Mr Hall, Dr Levitt, Dr Inglis, Miss Pilmore, Mrs Lee, and Mr Fayers, the first trip served as a practice expedition from Cotgrave to Langar. Here, students refined essential outdoor skills including map reading, tent pitching, and the all-important art of pasta cooking.

The second trip was their qualifying expedition—a true test of independence and resilience. Students planned their own walking routes and carried all necessary camping gear as they navigated unsupervised from Cresswell Crags to Sherwood Forest in Edwinstowe, showcasing their teamwork and determination.

Over the course of four days, they experienced the full range of British summer weather—from searing sunshine to driving rain—adding both difficulty and memorable moments. One standout example of determination came from Olivia ‘Barefoot’ Roberts whose sole fell off her shoe on her walk back to camp, she basically walked back with just the top of her shoe and barefoot —but Dad saved the day with a new boots delivery and she chose to persevere and finish the journey with her team. Joshua Charity took a de-tour on the expedition walk to stop off at the Coop to fill up on supplies and Emmanuel turning up to camp wearing denim shorts, linen shirt trainers and a bum-bag, everyone thought he was off to the seaside for the day.

Each and every one of them were outstanding and we couldn’t be prouder of what this group has achieved. Well done!