Harrodian Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver groups both enjoyed hot and sunny conditions for the qualifying expeditions that marked the climax of their participation in the award at the end of June. On the weekend of the 23rd and 24th June, 20 Silver award pupils thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hiking challenge provided by the Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex. On the same weekend, a group of female pupils from the 14s were busy achieving a Harrodian first: a DofE Silver qualifying expedition by canoe. The team undertook a journey along the Thames, navigating between campsites and proving themselves to be resourceful, resilient and well-equipped physically and mentally for a new challenge.
A week later, our Bronze award pupils from the 13s were completing their DofE expedition in Surrey. The scorching weather made for a hot and demanding hike but, according to Harrodian DofE Coordinator, Mr Holder, the group rose impressively to the challenge. ‘They were on top form: positive, organised and still energetic enough at the end of the day to come up with some inventive campsite meal choices,’ says Mr Holder. ‘It’s been a fantastic end to the year.’