Well done to our incredible Year 12 students who successfully completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award practice expedition in the breath-taking surroundings of the Peak District.

The Silver practice expedition is a vital part of the DofE journey, designed to prepare participants for their final qualifying expedition. Over several days, students demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a growing mastery of essential outdoor skills.

Throughout the expedition, students engaged in a range of activities that tested both their physical and mental endurance, including:

• Route Planning: Navigating through challenging terrain using maps and compasses.
• Campcraft: Pitching tents, cooking meals and managing life in the great outdoors.
• First Aid & Emergency: First aid skills - learning how to respond to unexpected situations.
• Teamwork & Leadership: Collaborating effectively and taking turns to lead their groups.
• Environmental Awareness: Gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and learning how to protect it.

Mr Fourie, who led the expedition, praised the students for their dedication and spirit. He said, ‘Your hard work, determination, and teamwork have truly paid off. This practice expedition not only builds confidence but also lays the foundation for success in the final qualifying expedition later this year.’

We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing the challenge and representing BWA with such enthusiasm and maturity. Their achievements reflect the core values of BWA and the DofE Award—resilience, responsibility, and respect.