DofE Award – 2025

Monday 16th June: TFA and Beal students took part in a training day, covering essential expedition skills such as navigation, first aid, tent pitching, equipment packing, expedition food preparation, and using a Trangia.

Tuesday 17th June: TFA and Beal students completed a successful practice expedition, applying their skills in real conditions. They worked well in teams, solved challenges, and gained confidence for their assessed expedition.

Thursday 19th – Friday 20th June (Year 10 and 12): Students from Beal and TFA completed their assessed Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition. The two-day challenge involved extensive walking—over 30,000 steps—through tough conditions, including hilly terrain and forest paths. Students navigated using maps and compasses, carried full rucksacks, pitched tents independently, and cooked their own meals. All participants successfully completed the expedition, gaining valuable skills and forming new friendships. Student reflections highlighted resilience, teamwork, and memorable experiences they’d gladly repeat.

Thursday 26th – Friday 27th June (Year 9): TFA students completed their assessed Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition. Students demonstrated exceptional levels of communication, teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills throughout their two-day challenge. They supported each other, built friendships, and embraced the values of self-sufficiency and personal growth which lies at the heart of the programme. Many expressed enjoyment and interest in progressing to the Silver award.

Monday 7th-Wednesday 9th June (Year 10): Beal students completed their assessed Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award expedition involving a three-day challenge for them to complete. The expedition tested their ability to manage time, problem solve and support one another through challenging routes and unpredictable weather. Throughout the expedition students showed exceptional levels of independence, communication, and leadership.