Ash Manor School

Ash Manor Blog

Bronze DofE Training Expedition - May 2026

Early on a Saturday morning, five Bronze Duke of Edinburgh teams gathered at Ash Manor School with full rucksacks, carefully planned route cards, and plenty of energy as they prepared to begin their training expedition.

Following routes that they had planned themselves, the groups set off towards Heron’s Wey Campsite, putting into practice the navigation, teamwork, and expedition skills they had developed in preparation for the weekend. Carrying everything they would need for two days, the students worked together to stay on route and support one another throughout the journey.

After around six hours of walking, all the groups successfully arrived at the campsite. While some teams became slightly more familiar with the surrounding area than originally planned and may have had to be supported in reaching the campsite, every group showed determination to reach their destination.

This expedition would not have been possible without the support of Ash Manor School staff and volunteers. Their time, commitment, and willingness to give up their weekend play a vital role in making opportunities like this possible for our students. Without their support, the school’s ability to deliver the DofE programme would be significantly reduced and would require external providers, increasing costs for the participants.

Once at Heron’s Wey, the groups pitched their tents, with only a handful needing to contend with setting up in the rain. Students then prepared and cooked their evening meals before organising lunches ready for the following day. The unpredictable weather continued into the evening, with fog rolling across the campsite and creating a memorable end to the first day.

Sunday morning began with an early start as students enjoyed a hot breakfast under the supervision of staff and volunteers, before packing away their equipment. Thankfully, the weather stayed dry overnight and into the morning, making the process of striking camp much more enjoyable.

With tents packed and rucksacks loaded once again, the teams began their return routes to Ash Manor School. Throughout the day, all groups arrived back safely, tired but proud of what they had achieved and with only a few blisters to remind them to pay a little more attention to foot care next time.

Congratulations to all students on successfully completing their Bronze DofE training expedition. The experience and skills gained over the weekend will now prepare them for their assessed expedition in June and, hopefully, some slightly kinder weather.

Previous Blogs - 2025/26

Performing Arts - May 2026
PE blog - May 2026
Citizenship blog - April 2026
Glive blog - April 2026
SSLT blog - March 2026
PD Day 3 - March 2026
Silver DofE Assessed Expedition - March 2026
Humanities Blog - March 2026
Maths Blog - Feb 2026
PD Day 2 - Jan 2026 
Geography Fieldwork - Dec 2025
Culture Day - Nov 2025
Library Blog - Nov 2025
MFL Blog - Nov 2025
Personal Development Day - Oct 2025
Silver DofE Training Expedition - Oct 2025 
English Blog - Sept 25

    

Academic Year 2024/2025

 





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