News & Headteacher Blogs

 

Silver DofE Students Take on the Outdoors

This month, a determined group of Year 10 and Year 12 students from The Downs School completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition – and what an achievement it was.

Carrying everything they needed on their backs, our students navigated challenging countryside routes through the Pewsey Vale over multiple days, putting their map-reading skills, teamwork, and resilience to the test. The weather didn’t always make it easy, but spirits stayed high and the camaraderie among the teams was inspiring.

The Silver Award is a significant step up from Bronze, with longer journeys, more independence, and higher expectations – and our students rose to the challenge brilliantly. The practice expedition allowed them to test their fitness, refine their navigation, and get to grips with campcraft, all in preparation for their assessed expedition later this year.

Martin Preater, lead instructor for the weekend with BXM Expeditions, shared glowing feedback:

"Sarah and her team of teachers were fantastic; ever present, engaged, and excellent throughout the weekend. Your pupils were a credit to their parents and also your school. This weekend was a complete joy to be part of your DofE journey."

Staff praised the students for their positive attitudes, problem-solving under pressure, and the way they supported one another throughout. Whether setting up tents, cooking meals on a Trangia, or checking in with each other as a team, they demonstrated all the core values that make the DofE Award such a powerful experience.

We’re proud of every student who took part and are excited to see them complete their qualifying expedition with confidence and pride later this term.