This past week marked the first Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition that has been undertaken by QEII in many years. We conquered an expedition in the Lake District, which consisted of 4 days and 3 nights of camping, various weather conditions and strenuous mountains along the way.
From hiking Cat Bells to Helvellyn and exploring Millican Dalton’s Caves, every day resulted in unforgettable sights with memories to last a lifetime.
A huge thank you goes out to the teachers, Mr Carine and Mrs Steriopulos for their encouragement towards finishing and accomplishing the expedition section of the award. Their determination and positive morale were truly an asset to our team. As well, the expedition assessor, Dave whose expertise provided us with new valuable insights and skills to the wider outdoors community and further opportunities.
We’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to the Steam Packet Company, who not only supported the trip with discounted fare, but thoroughly got involved in our Expedition Media Aim with some dancing and showing us around the Bridge. Another big thank you to both the Mann2000 and QEII School Association for funds which helped make this expedition more accessible for us all.
Our group project of a music video was created to entice more people to undertake a Gold DofE and to shine a light upon the excitement of the expedition. To transcend the usual stereotype of difficulty and hardship, replacing this view with an adventurous fulfilling challenge that really can be fun.
Watch the music video here:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRKCf7qJ/
Not only does completing a Gold DofE create amazing memories and new bonds, it also teaches navigation skills, teamwork, independence, resilience, communication under pressure & perseverance. All these skills are essential to growth, as not only a student, but in preparation for life after school and entering employment or university, and/or various other pathways.
It is hoped that our trip will inspire more QEII students to complete the same award for many years ahead.