Qualifying Expedition for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award“Very proud of these young people... what they've done these past four days is truly determined and stoical, a great achievement after this crazy COVID time. Well done all of you!” The words of the accredited assessor perfectly summed up the successes of our fantastic fourteen students who had just completed their Gold expedition for their Duke of Edinburgh award. The look on their faces when the assessor told them they were members of this exquisite Gold club was priceless; so well deserved!“I've gained so much confidence doing Duke of Edinburgh,” said one of our students with heartfelt emotion, thus highlighting one of the many reasons that students participate in this prestigious award. “Duke of Edinburgh makes you a more rounded person,” the assessor expressed, then added, “When my husband used to interview people, if they had D of E on their application, then it gave them something to talk about.”One of the teams named themselves after Bob, who was a gorgeous little teddy bear with a dark brown fur coat acting as their mascot and being integral to the team’s aim. All teams need an aim. Bob was seen everywhere, being strapped to the belt of the student; on top of mountains, on trails upholding a laminated copy of the countryside code, helping a team member recover after an unfortunate fall into a muddy bog and being a much-valued member of the group. Team spirit was evident throughout.For four days, walking just over forty miles and camping for three nights, our adventurous students had pitted their skills and cleverness against the bracing October cold and dampness; using their wits to solve navigational challenges on the bleak splendour of the stunning North York Moors that were donning their autumnal attire - golden leaves echoing the Gold award!What an amazing accomplishment in such challenging circumstances! Our remarkable students worked hard for their Gold and truly deserved their success.So, come and develop your skills and wits and earn your Gold! Contact Sarah.Thackray@wyke.ac.uk (manager of Duke of Edinburgh award) or office@wyke.ac.uk for more information.
