Ash Manor School

Ash Manor Blog

Ash Manor Students Complete Challenging Bronze DofE Expedition – 7th & 8th June 2025

Fifty-one students from Ash Manor School recently took part in their Assessed Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition, a true test of resilience, teamwork, and determination.

 

The expedition began in a car park just outside Shalford, with students walking over 15km through the South Downs National Park to their overnight campsite at Bentley Copse Scout Camp. Travelling in small teams of no more than 7, the students faced the added challenge of persistent heavy rain throughout much of the first day. Spirits remained high, however, as the students navigated their routes — even with a few minor detours along the way!

 

Arriving at camp soaked and tired, they still had to pitch their tents, cook a hot evening meal, and care for their sore feet, all while keeping morale up in less-than-ideal conditions. It was an impressive effort from everyone involved, especially given the knowledge that they’d be travelling back via a different route to the start point the following morning.

  

Thankfully, the weather was kinder on Sunday. The sun broke through, helping to dry kit and lift spirits as teams set off for the final leg of their expedition. Once again, despite a few small navigational errors, all groups made it back to the original meeting point — tired, proud, and rightly pleased with what they had achieved.

 

 

 We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, support staff and volunteers, who acted as the DofE assessors and supervisors and gave up their time to support the students throughout the weekend. These expeditions would not be possible without their commitment and dedication.

 All in all, it was a hugely positive experience, with many students now feeling inspired to take on the Silver DofE Award next year!

 

 

House Art Competition

We recently held our first ever House Art Competition! Twenty-three fantastic artists from Years 7–10 took part in an exciting live portrait drawing competition during the first week after half term.

They were tasked with capturing the likeness of either their Head of House or Assistant Head of House; the students rose to the challenge of life drawing and gave it their all.

Our pupils produced some excellent outcomes demonstrating their individual creativity and talents. A lot of fun was had by all the pupils taking part and our fantastic house team models.

Winners will be announced in the end of term assembly!

   

 

 

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