Last weekend, seven of our Sixth Form students completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award Practice Trip in El Chorro.
We’d like to extend our gratitude to our experienced mountain leaders, Steve and Cliodhna, supported by Mr. Edwards. They guided us through essential map-reading and camping skills, including calculations such as the ‘Adiabatic Lapse Rate’, distance and scale measurements, and estimated travel time. We also learned how to ‘set the map’, use compass directions and bearings, and identify terrain features and landmarks for navigation and orientation.
On day one, we navigated the route with staff supervision, while on day two, we navigated independently, reaching checkpoints along the way. Carrying all our own gear—including backpacks predominantly packed with snacks, of course—we embraced self-sufficiency. During our free time, we even had the chance to go rock climbing under the supervision of our leaders!
We concluded our adventure with a first aid session, during which Steve played the role of a casualty—don’t worry, he survived!
Currently, we are undertaking 12 months of Volunteering service and progressing through the Physical and Skills sections of the programme. Each of these requires either 12 months of engagement or 6 months, with an additional 6 months in one of the two categories.
Reflecting on this experience, we now look forward to preparing for the Gold Expedition Qualifying Journey—spanning 4 days and 3 nights—scheduled for early next year.
A big thank you to all the staff who helped make this trip possible!
Thomas, William, Millie, Yuren, Yuzhi, Lia and Mia
