Adventure, challenge and a fantastic achievement

47 Swanmore pupils took on a 40km walk through the New Forest over two days as they completed the assessed expedition for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

We are delighted to announce that all 47 pupils successfully completed the adventure and have now achieved their Bronze DofE Award – a fantastic achievement and a brilliant reward for the time, effort and commitment they have put into completing the programme.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gives young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, try new things and develop skills and experiences beyond the classroom. To achieve their Bronze Award, pupils complete activities across the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections, as well as planning, training for and completing their expedition.

It means that the expedition in the New Forest was just one part of a much bigger achievement. Along the way, pupils have committed their own time to developing a skill, taking part in physical activity and volunteering to make a difference to others or their community.

The expedition itself provides a very different challenge, requiring pupils to work together, navigate their route, manage their time and keep going over a significant distance. Completing 40km across two days is no small feat, and all 47 pupils should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

For many, the adventure isn’t ending at Bronze either! Almost half of the group have already chosen to take on their next challenge by signing up for the Silver DofE Award.

There are still a few spaces available for pupils who have completed Bronze and are considering continuing to Silver – you’ve just got to ask!

A huge congratulations to all of our Bronze DofE pupils, and a special thank you to Mr Keenan and Mrs Illsley for the time and support they have given to our pupils throughout their DofE journey and for helping to make the expedition such a success.

Well done to everyone involved!