Dear Families
I am delighted to be able to confirm to all G28 families, final dates for our Duke of Edinburgh practice, and assessed expeditions which are now slightly later in the term than was given at our information evening.
As you know, The Duke of Edinburgh is an important aspect of our curriculum in challenging students to develop their character and push them beyond their comfort zone. As a school we invest a great deal of time, money and staff resources into helping all students to achieve the award. DofE is a part of our curriculum for all students.
The practice expedition will take place on Friday 17th May. Students will be transported by Metro and then carry out a practice hike and map reading. On returning to school they will practise setting up camp on our grounds and cook an evening meal using their camping equipment. They will then be able to finish their practice on the evening of Friday 17th May at around 7pm.
The final assessed expedition will take place on Friday 5th July – Saturday the 6th July. Students will report to school for crew time as normal on Friday and will be transported to their Duke of Edinburgh drop off point in Wark, Northumberland. Students will then be staying at Greencarts Campsite, next to Hadrian’s Wall, before completing day two of the expedition and being collected in Acomb, Northumberland. Students can expect to arrive back to school in the late afternoon on Saturday the 6th May.
There is a kit list for the DofE expeditions, which includes some items which are part of our regular outdoor kit at XP Gateshead. There is not a need for any families to purchase any of the more specialist kit such as compasses, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, roll mats or cooking equipment as we have this equipment in school. You will soon receive a letter with the information above and the kit list included.
Further information will be communicated in due course, and if there you have any further questions in the meantime please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Many thanks for your continued support.
Tom Devitt