Over 100 Millfield students complete Duke of Edinburgh award qualifying expeditions whilst complying with COVID-19 restrictions

Millfield School’s Outdoor Department has seen 108 students complete their Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh award qualifying expeditions in a safe environment during the first half of the 2020 Autumn Term, despite current COVID-19 restrictions in some regions.

The expedition element sees participants independently planning and undertake a self-sufficient expedition over 2, 3 or 4-days dependent on the level of the award. Leading up to their qualifying expedition all undertake rigorous training followed by a practice expedition to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for their independent qualifying expedition.  

The term soon got off to a flying start with Millfield’s Bronze teams expanding and consolidating their skills developed as part of the Nine at Millfield programme last year. The weekend was spent exploring the Mendip Hills which were basked in beautiful sunshine and provided an idyllic setting for their training and practice expedition.     

Students undertaking the Gold qualifying and Silver training and practice explored the beautiful Welsh countryside in the Snowdonia National Park prior to the national Wales lockdown in March, as well as the Quantock and Exmoor Hills in Somerset. Due to current restrictions, many expeditions have been unable to support the camping-out element of the training, however Millfield students have been able to continue with the full training experience in a safe environment by camping in the beautiful grounds of Millfield’s country houses.

As part of the students’ presentations after their expeditions, staff enjoyed hearing about the variety of different flora and fauna students discovered on their journeys and some very interesting facts they had learnt.  

Would you like to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award?  

The outdoor department are currently accepting applications for DofE 

Bronze – Year 9 (Bronze DofE Explained) – Contact Mr Mortley mortley.n@millfieldschool.com 

Silver – Year 10 (Silver DofE Explained) - Contact Mr Seeley seeley.r@millfieldschool.com 

Gold – Lower Sixth (Gold DofE Explained) – Contact Mr Strachan strachan.c@millfieldschool.com         

Learn more about Outdoor Education at Millfield here.