QUEEN Elizabeth’s School is proud to announce that the school has completed its inaugural Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition.

With a long, active history of Bronze and Gold DofE participation, this is the first year QE has run the Silver Award.

Despite the challenges faced by the current Covid situation, and some pretty awful weather, the students, in three teams, successfully walked 60km over three days, during which they practised their skills with tent set-up, cooking and map reading.

A total of 15 students completed the expedition despite the soggy weather.

Alice Morgan, QE’s DofE manager said: “The Duke of Edinburgh Award presents a great opportunity for young people to develop self-confidence, make new friends, learn new skills and build character.

"I would like to extend very well deserved congratulations to all our Silver DofE students; despite not being able to camp this year they showed fantastic resilience, humour and teamwork, particularly on the last very stormy morning!

"Well done everyone, this is a huge achievement. I am very proud of you, your school is very proud of you, next stop Gold!"

A special thank you went to Powderham Castle for letting the students use its grounds for part of the expedition.

Special measures, for the expedition, were implemented to ensure everyone’s safety.