Whitworth students complete expedition to earn Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award

Students from Whitworth Community High School have completed their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze Award

Six teams of students from Whitworth Community High School recently completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award expedition, earning them a prestigious badge and certificate.

Throughout the pandemic Whitworth Community High School ensured its students were still able to complete the tasks set out in the scheme and has maintained its 100 per cent record of every student that finishes the expedition achieving their badge.

Head of PE at the secondary school, Will Cawley, said: “We had 34 students taking part in six teams and they completed a hike in the local area around the school and then all camped overnight on the school field.

“There were six routes around school and each team did a different route the following day.

“All of the participants had to have negative Covid tests before they could take part.”

Before students took part in the expedition, the school made sure they had already completed the other disciplines for the badge - volunteering, learning a skill and physical exercise.

Carmela Rea, 14, completed circuit training for her physical, learnt cooking for her skill, and volunteered for the Osborne Trust - a charity that supports cancer patients – which she raised funds for by holding raffles.

“The expedition was good and on the first day we went to places I knew,” she said, “but on the second day I discovered areas local to me that I had never been to.

“I enjoyed learning how to use a map and compass because I had never done that before and it was good to learn different skills.”

For ages 14 to 24, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of young people the opportunity to be the best they can be. They achieve this through a variety of volunteering, physical, skills and residential challenges over a year.

It is hoped next year Whitworth Community High School will be able to offer students the chance to obtain their Silver DofE Award.