This year we have decided to trial a few changes to how we do DofE Expeditions at XP.
The Bronze Expedition will no longer have an overnight practice expedition. Instead we will spend the day hiking; learning navigational skills and return to school the same day. The qualifying expedition will still be an overnight expedition.
The Silver Expedition will be voluntary this year for year 10 students. Students will still be expected to complete the voluntary, skill and physical sections of the programme.
We hope that by allowing students to choose to do the expedition we will create a much richer and fulfilling experience for those that participate. We would love for parents to encourage their son / daughter to do the expedition so that they can complete their full Silver DofE Award as this is an internationally recognised qualification.
Instead of the expedition planning sessions taking place on a Friday afternoon they will now happen on a Monday after school, however this won’t necessarily be every week.
The silver practice expedition will take place from Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th April and the Qualifying expedition will be from Friday 15th – Sunday 17th May. Whilst expedition students are out of school on these 2 Fridays the students that remain in school will be doing service learning within the community.
Crew leaders have been fully briefed on these changes and can answer any questions you may have, however I am more than happy to receive emails or speak over the phone too.
This week in crew we will be asking year 10 students whether they would like to take part in the silver expedition. A letter will then be given to you at the upcoming SLCs for you to sign and give consent.
Thanks
Kate ap Harri