Gold Duke of Edinburgh for Seven GMS Students

At 7.30am on Wednesday 2^nd July, the seven GMS Gold Duke of Edinburgh students arrived at the school sports centre eager, and yet apprehensive, about the expedition they were about to embark upon.

After a thorough kit check, they set off in the minibus to the Brecon Beacons for a challenging four day hike and three night camp in the peaks and valleys of the breath-taking Welsh countryside.

On arrival, Matt, the Duke of Edinburgh leader, and Helen Murray accompanied the students on their first hike to re-enforce and practise the navigation and compass skills they had learnt on their training weekend. After this they were on their own.

Gold students have to walk for four days, completing 18-20km a day, carrying their tents, sleeping bags, stoves, food and clothes on their backs. They follow a route they have planned and camp each night at a spot they have chosen.

Over the ensuing next few days, the seven adventurers endured fatigue, blisters and severe weather: conditions far beyond their comfort zone.

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh programme is not only a physical challenge, but a test of character, independence and endurance. Sabrina Clark, Jake Hunter, Catherine Oliver, Hayden Redway, Amy Rowsell, Sanah Shah and Connor Tyson have proved themselves to be a credit to themselves and GMS: they should be very proud to have represented the school in our first Gold programme.