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Congratulations to fifteen Westminster City School students who have successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, demonstrating resilience, solidarity and determination in the South Downs.

Over the past month, eight Year 9 students completed their Bronze qualifying expedition, while seven Year 12 students successfully completed their Silver practice and qualifying expeditions, taking on increasingly demanding routes over several days.

For the Year 12 students who engaged in this, the expedition was definitely about preparation as much as it was about the challenge itself. Before setting off, they developed their navigation skills through map reading and compass work before putting those skills into practice as they independently navigated the South Downs. Carrying everything they needed for the expedition, students planned their own routes, prepared meals, pitched tents and worked together to overcome the challenges they encountered along the way.

The Year 9 Bronze students embraced every aspect of expedition life, covering more than 15 kilometres across two days. Despite coming across muddy footpaths and changing weather to carrying heavy backpacks across woodland and open countryside, they maintained a positive attitude while supporting one another throughout the journey.

Commenting on the expeditions, Mr Evans, said:

“One of the most wholesome moments for me was watching our Year 9 students work together when we arrived at camp. They naturally supported one another while putting up their tents and preparing dinner, communicating effectively and making sure everyone played a part. Across all of the expeditions, what stood out most was the positive attitude shown by both groups of students. Whether they were navigating across fields, solving problems or encouraging one another after a long day’s walking, they worked as genuine teams.”

Two weeks later, the Year 12 students returned to complete their Silver qualifying expedition, building on everything they had learned during their practice expedition. Their confidence, independence and teamwork were evident throughout as they successfully completed the final challenge.

From navigating with map and compass to cooking meals, pitching tents and carrying everything they needed on their backs, every student demonstrated the perseverance and responsibility that lie at the heart of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Across all three expeditions, they embodied the schools values, making the school incredibly proud.

Congratulations to all of the students on this fantastic achievement.

Bronze Award (Year 9s)

Samuel M, Samuel A, Sam B, Ari A, Alexi S, Hudson F, Okai E and Bilaal C.

Silver Award (Years 12s)

Okubo-Ere C, Kiara D, Aisha A, Evie M, Otis S, Samuel W and Isabelle H.