Two intrepid Year 11 groups successfully completed their Silver Expedition on the Isle of Wight over the weekend of 15^th -17^th September.

The first day started at Yarmouth, with a coastal walk taking in sights of Hurst Castle, and the Needles, before climbing onto Tennysson Down.  From here, one group had an excellent view of the SS Waverley sailing below – the last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world.  Walking down to Freshwater in the brilliant sunshine, the groups waved at a passing spitfire before arriving at the campsite, tired and slightly sunburned, at Compton Farm.

After dinner and a night under canvas, the groups spent the Saturday walking back across the island on the Hamstead Trail.  When they arrived at the north coast, they could look back at the mainland and pick out local features, such as the refinery at Fawley and they might even have spotted the pair of Sea Eagles that hunt in the area.  The day was a bit cooler, and they arrived at Corf Scout camp tired, but in good spirits.  The Creekside location of the campsite initially seemed ideal.  The early evening brought out the midges, however, and they seemed to find some members of the group particularly appetising!  The evening campfire gave a welcome respite before the rain that awaited the groups on the final day.

An early start on the Sunday morning allowed the groups to break camp in the dry and get the miles in before the inevitable storm hit.  The rain was so heavy that paths became temporary streams and even the best waterproofs gave up any pretence of keeping you dry.  Despite the weather, the participants completed the day in good spirits with smiles on their faces and quotes such as “It doesn’t matter – I can’t get any wetter” and “At least we have had the full DofE experience”.

Congratulations to all of those involved – they should be proud of their achievements.  They will complete their expedition when they deliver their presentations in the last week of this half term, alongside the Bronze groups from Year 10.

Well done to:

Shannon, Mili, Josie, Ben, Ty, Jennifer, Rachel, Grace, Toby, Tom, Cayden, Logan and Delphina.                    

The Bronze award has just been launched with our current Year 9 and the enrolment will remain open until November.

The Silver award will be launched with our current Year 10 and it will be open to students whether or not they participated in the Bronze level of the award.  (Mr D Mitchell)