More than 50 Sixth Form pupils participated in their Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expeditions last weekend. Over two separate days, those on Gold walked 35 miles and those on Silver walked 30 miles, all in the beautiful West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire countryside.

Nine groups in total between them shared out the responsibilities of carrying tents, cookers, and map reading for each day. Among the lessons learned this time were: the importance of accurately marking the map; making sure boots fit well, wearing two pairs of socks; and eating enough -- each individual needs approximately 3,000 calories’ intake per day.

Mr Andy Crossley, Head of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Due to Covid-19 rules, the expedition section of the Gold and Silver awards has had to be adapted, including the choice of location (normally, we would go to South Wales). But I am very pleased that so many worked together in their teams to complete the practice expedition. The assessed expedition is in just over a week’s time.”