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The recent Silver Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expedition in the Chiltern Hills was an outstanding success, showcasing the determination, teamwork and maturity of all participating students. Over the course of three days of walking and two nights of camping, the group demonstrated impressive resilience as they navigated challenging routes, managed their own equipment and worked collaboratively to stay on track.

Across the expedition, behaviour was exemplary. Students supported each other consistently, maintained a positive attitude even during difficult moments, and showed a level of preparation that greatly impressed the assessors. Their ability to stay organised, manage their time effectively and adapt to changing conditions reflected the hard work they had put into training beforehand.

Although a small number of students experienced minor injuries along the way, they handled these setbacks sensibly and safely, ensuring that the wellbeing of the whole group remained a priority. Thanks to their perseverance and the strong teamwork displayed throughout, an impressive total of 44 students successfully passed the qualifier expedition!

The assessors praised the cohort for their commitment, resilience and readiness, noting that their attitude throughout the journey was exemplary. This expedition not only met the requirements of the Silver Award but also highlighted the students’ growing independence and confidence in the outdoors.

Overall, the expedition was a memorable and rewarding experience, and every student should feel proud of what they achieved. The students now need to ensure they are working towards completing their hours of volunteering, physical and skills so they can achieve their complete Silver Award. We hope to see many of them join in Year 12 for Gold Duke of Edinburgh!