FIFTEEN of our Year 11 students travelled to Derbyshire for the first few days of half term to complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award practice expedition.
Working in three independent teams, the students navigated a circuit of the White Peak, starting near Bakewell, traversing west over to Buxton before turning south for Hartington and finishing at Dovedale.
Assistant Director of Outdoor Education at King’s Ely, Martin Bray, said: “Wet and frosty weather persisted throughout the three days with rather sodden ground from the rainy October, which made for tough camping conditions. However, the groups stayed motivated to keep up a high standard of camp craft and finish their routes in good time.
“One of the teams had to deal with a medical incident on the morning of the second day and demonstrated excellent aptitude to deal with the situation they found themselves in, taking great care of the casualty until the mountain rescue services turned up.
“I’d like to say a huge well done to all of the participants. Thank you also to Helen Melville, Ben Smith, James Houlston and Michelle Parr for their help on the trip.”
