Two trips were held during half-term - a Level 2 Hill Walking and Navigation Trip to Dartmoor and a Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) Training Expedition to the Brecon Beacons.

Ten Year 12 King's Ely Sixth Form students completed their Gold DofE Training, in preparation for their Assessed Expedition in July.

Mr Tim Wyndham Smith, our DofE Manager and Assistant Director of Outdoor Education, said: "This fantastic team of students showed absolute resilience and determination. Facing gruelling conditions and trekking through intense summer heat, they pushed through the physical exhaustion with an inspiring work ethic. Navigating the challenging terrain required a massive amount of hard work, but the learning and takeaways from this journey were immense. From mastering advanced micro-navigation to refining campcraft under pressure, the positive outcome in their teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skills was clear to see with every passing mile.

"The undisputed highlight of the trip came early one morning up on the stunning Brecon Beacons. The group woke up to have breakfast with a view, watching the morning mist clear across the valleys before tackling their biggest climb. Motivated and working seamlessly as a cohesive unit, they pushed all the way to the top of Pen y Fan, celebrating an unforgettable moment together at the summit. With the practice phase successfully under their belts, the team is now focused on reviewing their performance, refining their routes, and planning for the final Gold Assessment this coming July. They have set a phenomenal standard, and they are more than ready for the final challenge!"

Meanwhile, twenty-three Year 10 King's Ely Senior students spent their half-term taking on Ely Scheme's Level 2 Hill Walking and Navigation course, based at Dewerstone Cottage Bunkhouse, near Plymouth.

The week was divided between a training and assessment phase across the first four days, followed by a 2.5-day self-sufficient expedition covering approximately 50-kilometres with two nights of wild camping.

Mr James Houlston, our Director of Outdoor Education, said: "Conditions during the training phase were exceptionally warm, making the demands of navigating featureless moorland terrain considerably more taxing than usual. Pupils were required to manage themselves sensibly in the heat, and all did so admirably. 

"The Level 2 curriculum extended their navigation skills significantly beyond Level 1, with particular focus on compass bearings, aiming off, handrail features, and crossing featureless terrain using team leapfrog techniques. A night navigation exercise at Nun's Cross Farm on Monday evening was a highlight of the training phase, and all pupils acquitted themselves well.

"On the eve of the expedition, pupils were treated to a well-earned meal at the Toby Carvery before heading to Tesco to purchase their expedition food - an exercise in planning and budgeting that forms an important part of the self-sufficiency ethos of the course. The expedition itself was thoroughly enjoyed by the group. The warm and humid conditions brought their own challenges beyond the navigational - ticks were encountered in considerable numbers across the moor this year, and midges and mosquitoes were a persistent presence throughout. Pupils took all of this entirely in their stride and became remarkably proficient at tick checks and removal, approaching the whole business with good humour and characteristic resilience. 

"Staff were impressed by the maturity and teamwork shown across all four groups throughout the expedition, and all pupils completed the week in fine form. The final evening was a fitting celebration: Domino's pizza was enjoyed by all, after which a significant number of pupils (and two members of staff) rounded off the week with an impromptu spa evening with face masks!"

Enjoy lots more photos from the expeditions on our Facebook page: (2) Facebook