DofE expedition
14th-16th June
This week, our Sports & Outdoors and Horticulture Pathway students managed to successfully complete their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze (Year 10) and Silver (Year 11) awards.
A cohort of 24 Year 10 & 11 students, the most ever taken at Samuel Laycock, participated in a 3-day, 2-night camping expedition at Castle Shaw Learning Centre, Oldham.
Their first day consisted of navigating their way from a drop off point in Greenfield to the campsite using only a map, which totalled a 5.5-mile distance!
This was even more challenging than expected for our students as they had to endeavour the walk in 30-degree heat.
Students worked in 2 groups and had to use their map reading and orienteering skills that they had learned throughout the year to ensure they finished their walk at the Castle Shaw centre.
Our students also managed to successfully pitch their tents and cook all their meals using a camping stove, it’s been incredible to see them put all their planning and practice into place and watch them enjoy the experience with their friends.
Day 2, our Horticulture pathway students joined us as we ventured to Dovestones.
Initially we intended for one group to walk up to chew reservoir, however we were unable to do so due to the high temperatures.
Students instead, were split into 6 small groups and completed an orienteering route to meet their map reading ability.
Students did amazingly well in the heat again and we then enjoyed our lunch by the reservoir.
We returned to camp to allow our Horticulture students to set up their tents and bedrooms, we played team games and then students enjoyed a huge water fight where they managed to drench Mrs Eaton!
Students again displayed their cooking skills for their evening meal before finishing the evening with marshmallows around the fire.
We would like to thank all of the staff who have supported the expedition, they have gone above and beyond to support your students in achieving this fantastic qualification.
We just wanted to say how absolutely amazing your children are, we couldn’t be any prouder of the group as they’ve been phenomenal in every aspect of the expedition and we’re sure you’re extremely proud of them and what they’ve achieved over the past few days.
They’re now looking forward to sleeping in their own beds!
They’ve made memories for life and we already cannot wait for our next expedition!
Well done to you all.
Mr Grainger
