In the first few days back after half term, a group of Year 10 and 12 students embarked on the first leg of their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award journey in Tarifa. Led skillfully by our mountain guides, Steve and Cliodhna, and supported by Mr Edwards, Dr C Sutcliffe, and Ms Heike, students undertook a rigorous three-day programme focused on outdoor survival skills and hiking.
On the first day, they learned fundamental map-reading and camping skills, including how to pitch a tent and use a gas stove to prepare the food they had brought along. Given the limited equipment, there were some impressive displays of cooking skills! Days two and three involved separate hikes of approximately five hours each, with students carrying their own equipment. On day two, they navigated the route accompanied by staff, while on day three, they navigated solo, reaching checkpoints along the way.
The students managed admirably despite the challenges of limited sleep (I suspect few would willingly camp again!) and windy conditions, completing the journey ahead of schedule. They will now reflect on their experiences and prepare for the Qualifying Journey early next year. A huge well done to them, and many thanks to the staff who helped make the trip possible!
