By Miss Sadler (Science Teacher and DofE Bronze Coordinator)

On Sunday 16th March, the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) cohort gathered for their first training day of the year, marking the beginning of their expedition preparations. The session introduced essential skills to support them in the months ahead.

Students took part in a range of practical activities throughout the day. They practised setting up tents, ensuring they could be securely pitched to withstand different weather conditions. They explored the importance of nutrition, considering how to plan meals that are both energy-rich and easy to carry.

Map-reading was another key focus, as they worked on identifying different types of terrain, roads and paths to strengthen their navigation skills. In addition, they practised basic first aid, learning how to manage common injuries and emergencies that may arise in the wilderness. Packing efficiently was also covered, as students considered how to balance weight and necessity when preparing their backpacks.

During the lunch break, they had the opportunity to cook their own meals using trangias, reinforcing the importance of meal planning while also gaining an understanding of the time and effort required to cook outdoors.

By the end of the training day, students had built confidence in their abilities and were looking ahead to putting their skills into practice during their expeditions in June.