DUKE OF EDINBURGH TRIPS
Staff have been making the most of this extended warm weather to fit in Silver DofE practice expeditions, which were fantastic challenges for the pupils. However, 10A missed out on that warm weather, as the rest of the article will reveal…
Year 9
Year 9 started their Duke of Edinburgh lessons by learning field craft skills, such as campsite cooking, setting up tents, and the basics of map reading. They also started working on their communication and problem-solving skills, all of which will be required for their own expedition in Spring.
10A
As mentioned, the warm weather has meant some fantastic expeditions have been able to take place. However, 10A missed out on the good weather, and went out in an absolute wash-out of a storm! Already strong, the wind and rain were amplified when the pupils were on top of the South Downs, shown in the picture of the pupils battling against gusty winds. Despite the horrendous weather, Mr Imbert was astounded by the resilience and peer support the pupils showed in handling the conditions. Special mentions to Charlie S, who took time out of the summer holidays to develop his hiking and map reading skills, and to Dylan S and Ryan H, who continue to improve their excellent navigation skills.
10B
10B had a much better weather forecast on their side for their South Downs hike. There were some good areas to improve navigation after some wrong turns, and even a chance to watch a Brighton & Hove Albion game on Mr Rogers’ phone, crammed underneath a shelter! Special mention to Ben E, who went above and beyond to help other pupils on the hike, and showcased his improved expedition preparation skills.
Biking
On Thursday 12th October, a group of five pupils pumped up their tyres and packed their bags for a two-day cycle on the South Downs. The group took their mountain bikes down to Bramber Castle to briefly join the Downs Link heading south before they started to ride the South Downs Way heading east. Thursday was a huge day of cycling for the group: they rode a total of 40km in 5 hours – including some breaks. Mr Imbert puffed along next to them as they rode past Devil’s Dyke, the Amex Stadium, bombed down chalk tracks and climbed up through cow fields. That evening, the group stayed at YHA South Downs, a cosy set of converted farmhouses set right on the South Downs Way near Newhaven. After a nourishing dinner, they went on an hour’s night walk to take in the views of the offshore wind turbine farm near Brighton coast, and the lights of the surrounding towns. When they returned, a few of the pupils kindly stepped in to help repair Charlie's bike, showing good communication and problem-solving skills to help support another pupil.
Day two, Friday, saw the group explore Friston Forest and make use of the many trails there. It offered a great opportunity for every rider to develop a certain aspect of their riding, and we saw a huge improvement from everyone in just that one day.
Mr Imbert was extremely happy with the attitude and behaviour shown by the pupils on the trip, and loved hearing Sam say that it gave him "confidence to go out and explore". Here's to the next epic bike trip!
