DUKE OF EDINBURGH ’ S AWARD
SILVER QUALIFYING EXPEDITION TO THE PEAK DISTRICT
This year ’ s Silver DofE Award saw the largest number of Sevenoaks pupils complete the expedition in recent memory , perhaps ever !
Ninety Year 11s took to the hills in the Peak District and overcame hot and dry conditions during the day and stormy conditions while camping overnight . They carried and cooked all their food and tended to sore feet having walked over 20km on each of the three days .
Celebrating a return to a full programme with storms , heat and 03:50am starts
We had record numbers for every expedition this year , with the largest number ever completing the Bronze expedition on the South Downs : 162 students over four days in June . For many this was their first time hiking and camping , enjoying each other ’ s company and the great outdoors , without phones ! There was also a large Gold cohort , with the practice expedition taking place in the Brecon Beacons and the qualifying expedition to Snowdonia . These are great experiences , encouraging independence , teamwork and resilience , and equipping students with new skills in communication and planning .
Throughout the expedition , pupils showed the level of grit and determination that we have come to expect from Sennockians , and I was hugely impressed by their teamwork . Of note , we received a good number of comments from local residents complementing our pupils for their politeness , tidiness and respectfulness . I must particularly applaud Group P , who , having completed their Russian IGCSE that very morning , cheerfully got into the minibus for the long drive to the campsite ; perhaps not the method of choice for celebrating the end to one ’ s exams ! Furthermore , on their final day , with the weekend looming and the bribe of an ice cream offered , Group P admirably got up long before dawn , packed up their tents and were ready to start walking at first light , 03:50am .
It was a pleasure chatting to all the groups on the successful completion of the expedition . Without exception , they all overcame adversity , whether it was sore legs , feet or poorly cooked pasta and each had a story to tell about dodging seemingly rabid cows , stinging nettles or the steepest hill EVER !
I hope all the participants reflect upon their achievement , and the significant step forward ( excuse the pun ) towards commencing their Gold Award .
Simon Mavroleon
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2021-2022 111