This term has seen the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme to Stamford Queen Eleanor School. As well as completing a skill, physical and volunteering aspect, participants must undertake an expedition element.

As part of this area of the award the students and an elite band of willing volunteer staff, along with some family and friends, took on the might of the South Shore of Rutland Water. The students had spent lunchtimes working with maps for navigation training, looking at walking in groups, safety for walking in open areas and approximate route planning and movement times.

Turning up at 10.30 on a Sunday morning, the pupils, dressed in their finest walking regalia, were met by staff eager for a relaxing and personality developing 7mile walk. We were not disappointed. As the groups set off, waving parents were granted 2 hours Sunday time before collection of the budding Hillary’s.

Regular checks with staff en-route ensured that all groups, despite a couple of wayward adventures to explore non mapped countryside, were safe and enjoying their experiences between Manton and Whitwell.

This first practise walk will give valuable experience to the groups as they tackle future walks with loaded packs, a practise walk with an overnight camp and then onto the final expedition to be assessed.

Many thanks to the staff, family, friends and parents who helped to make this first outing such a huge success.

Well done to the students and we hope you enjoyed your introduction to this aspect of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.