Jam-packed Outdoor Education programme over Easter Holidays

On the last day of term, four groups of A3 pupils travelled up to the Brecon Beacons for their Gold DofE Walking Practice Expedition, where challenging conditions on the mountains allowed for good training and prepared the teams well for their qualifying expedition in July. 

During the first and last week of Easter, fourteen A3 pupils took part in two Gold DofE Sailing Practice and Qualifying Expeditions. Starting and finishing in Portsmouth, the groups navigated along the south coast and around the Isle of Wight. Both teams faced serious storms, getting caught out in some rough seas and seeking refuge in various harbours along the way. Every pupil passed their Gold qualifying expedition, achieving their competent crew qualification at the same time. 

On Easter Monday, eight A3 pupils departed on their Gold DofE Canoeing Practice Expedition. This was planned for the River Thames but high water levels meant the team ended up on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Heavy rain didn't dampen team spirit - pupils remained strong and powered through, still smiling. These pupils now look ahead to the Qualifying Expedition on the River Severn in July. 

Approximately 70 pupils from C returned to school early on Friday to take part in their Silver DofE Walking Practice Expedition. This took place in the Dorset countryside, camping on nearby farms.

Head of Outdoor Education Duncan Curry commented: "We are fortunate to benefit from the generosity of six local landowners, all OB current or past families. The pupils did extremely well, developing the knowledge from their Bronze DofE last year in D and learning valuable skills ahead of their qualifying expedition at half-term."

Our Ten Tors team in C drove down to Dartmoor for their final training weekend ahead of the main event in two weeks. 15-20km walks on Friday and Sunday with a gruelling 30km walk over bog and moorland on Saturday certainly prepared them for the challenge ahead.