Pupils Complete Eight DofE Expeditions
Gold walkers journeyed to the Lake District and spent five days and four nights navigating their way across 60 miles of unfamiliar areas, remote from habitation. Silver walkers explored the Trough of Bowland in Lancashire and the Peak District, walking a total of 37 miles across the three-day, two-night expedition. Silver cyclists covered 55 miles of beautiful Northumberland countryside for their expedition.
On the water, sailors completed their Gold Qualifying Expedition on the Norfolk Broads in traditional, wooden cabin yachts. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, the silver canoeists spent three days navigating 40 miles of the River Wye to journey from Wales to England.
As the Summer Term ended, Form 4 pupils set off on their quest to gain their Bronze Awards in walking, cycling and canoeing. The bronze cyclists tackled a 33-mile route in Rutland, the canoeists covered 25 miles on familiar rivers in Ringstead, Northamptonshire, and walkers completed 20-mile routes in the Peak District and the Cheviots. 
Head of Adventurous Learning, Matty Powell, said: “It is great to see so many pupils challenging themselves to complete their DofE Awards.”
“Our students learn develop so many transferable skills, such as problem solving, communication and teamwork through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”
Pupils can sign up for the Bronze Award from Form 4 and can also enter directly onto Gold in Form 6. There is a choice of walking, cycling, sailing and canoeing, and as pupils progress from Bronze to Gold, the requirements in distance increase along with the number of nights required to camp outdoors, cook hot meals each evening, and carry all their equipment in their team.
As Oakham School also offers CCF, students can enter the Gold Award at the same time. This summer CCF pupils practised their five-day, four-night expedition in the North Pennines before they tackle their Qualifying Expedition in August in Norway.
Read more about Adventurous Learning at Oakham School and follow @OakhamOutdoors on Instagram.
