Eighty-four students from Gordano School have successfully completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award qualifying expedition, tackling the rugged terrain of the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park under exceptionally tough conditions — a summer heatwave that tested their resilience, teamwork, and determination.

Despite the soaring temperatures, students rose to the challenge with impressive commitment and enthusiasm. Thanks to the careful planning and adaptability of staff and instructors, safety was kept at the forefront while ensuring students could complete the expedition successfully.

Modifications included earlier start times with 5am wake-up calls to beat the heat, lighter rucksacks and extra water stations along the route and route adjustments to manage risk while preserving challenge.

Throughout the expedition, students demonstrated strong navigation skills, even as they battled through overgrown ferns obscuring footpaths. They climbed to the summit of Pen Cerrig Calch at 701m, all while maintaining a determined and positive spirit.

As part of their Team Goals, students studied local flora and fauna and explored team morale over the course of the expedition. Their reflections were presented confidently during the debriefs, impressing their assessors with thoughtful insights and excellent communication.

Camp life provided opportunities for rest and bonding, with students relaxing in the shade, playing cards, board games, and Spike Ball, creating a strong sense of camaraderie and fun.

Members of the public at the campsite were so impressed with the students’ attitude and behaviour that they approached staff to offer praise — a testament to the maturity and character of this remarkable cohort.

“This Silver cohort have really impressed us with their positivity, team spirit, and stamina,” said Rachel Allen, Deputy Lead for Outdoor Education at Gordano School. “They are a fabulous group of young people who took everything in their stride and deserve to be really proud of themselves.”

Gordano School remains a regional leader in the DofE programme, with the highest number of new starters in the South-West for the second consecutive year. A total of 336 students are participating in the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards this year. Each DofE journey is individually tailored, with students selecting their own activities and causes to support. With four key sections — and five at Gold level — the award pushes young people beyond their comfort zones and gives them the tools to thrive.

One parent commented: “Just want to put out a big thank you to the staff from Gordano School. Our youngest managed to injure himself this weekend whilst on the Duke of Edinburgh expedition. The staff kept us updated and looked after him so well. As a parent we couldn’t have asked for more. The teachers went above and beyond and deserve a huge pat on the back.” More parent comments are shared below.

As HRH Prince Philip, founder of the DofE, once said: “There is more in you than you might think.”

With universities and employers around the world recognising the value of the DofE Award, Gordano School is proud to support students in achieving this prestigious accolade.

PARENT COMMENTS:

We just wanted to pass on our huge thanks to you, and all staff involved with this weekend. Our son has come home so positive and has said it was a great weekend. We really appreciate all the efforts that must have gone into the weekend, giving them a great experience despite the extreme weather. I’m sure they will all remember this experience for many years to come. Thanks again, and hope you have a restful summer!

We just wanted to say a big thank you to all the teachers who gave up their weekend to support the Silver DofE expedition. We really appreciate how hard you all worked to support the kids in the heat and keep them safe.

I know I said it yesterday but I just wanted to thank you again for looking after all the students so well over the weekend. I cannot imagine how uncomfortable it was for all of the staff as well as the students and all the alterations you must have needed to make over the weekend was a massive undertaking. I knew you would have contacted parents had there been an issue with their child and so I was very much of the mindset ‘no news is good news’ but I really appreciated your daily ClassCharts announcements just letting parents know everyone was back safely. I hope you enjoyed a large glass of something and a restful evening yesterday – you truly deserved it!

Please could you pass on my thanks to all the staff who helped this weekend on the silver DofE expedition.  My daughter has really enjoyed the experience and I know there was a lot of extra challenges you faced with the weather, never mind all the usual planning and prep.   It is an experience that she will forever remember and it’s these opportunities that make the difference in education. 

I just wanted to say thank you to you and your team for looking after our son, his team and the other year 10’s at the weekend in Wales! The daily updates on ClassCharts was much appreciated too confirming they were alive and well!  I’m sure it was a hot one for you guys to be managing all the various elements of it! As someone who helps as an employer at the year 10 mock interviews I can always see the difference in those that do at least their bronze so I appreciate your time and effort in running this at the school. Thank you. He came back buzzing and has found the Bronze and Silver really positive experiences! He is very keen to do his gold now.

Thank you for keeping an eye on our daughter this weekend, she said she struggled on Saturday night. I am very proud of her for getting through it.

I just wanted to pass on a huge thank you to Mrs Allen and her team of helpers who made D of E so successful.

Our daughter completed Gold and has said that staff really helped her along as it’s a tough challenge. Shout out to Mr Thomas who was brilliant at checking in and motivating her. Our son recently completed silver in gruelling conditions and again we were so grateful for the adaptations that were made and the wonderful communication that put our minds at rest. Thanks to staff for giving up their time to help our children to succeed and feel proud and strong. We really are very grateful.