Students Embark on Exciting Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions

Students at Cowes Enterprise College, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, have been busy participating in a range of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) activities this half term, with expeditions taking place across May, June, and July.

A total of 71 students are currently enrolled on the DofE programme, covering Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. This includes eight Bronze groups, one Silver group, and two Gold groups, alongside four dedicated Gold students taking part in the Young Leaders programme.

Bronze participants have been busy planning their expedition routes in preparation for their upcoming journey across the scenic West Wight this July. Silver students will tackle their practice expedition in June around the Ryde area, while Gold students recently took on the challenging terrain of Exmoor during their practice expedition in May.

The Young Leaders have also played an essential role, supporting Bronze and Silver participants with their route planning and providing valuable guidance. In June, they will lead a dedicated training day, sharing their expertise in campcraft and essential expedition skills through engaging after-school sessions.

Rachel Kitley, Principal at Cowes Enterprise College, said:
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a fantastic opportunity for our students to challenge themselves, build resilience, and develop lifelong skills. It has been inspiring to see their dedication and teamwork throughout their expeditions, and I am particularly proud of our Young Leaders who have demonstrated great leadership and support for their peers.”

The school community is proud of the students’ achievements so far and looks forward to celebrating their continued success as they complete their expeditions in the coming months.

  • Sixth Form Student Leaders work with a students on Duke of Edinburgh Award walk planning using an ordinance survey map.
  • A group of six Cowes Enterprise College students work on route planners and ordinance survey maps around a round table for their Duke of Edinburgh Award walks.
  • A Sixth Form Student Leader works with a group of younger students to plan routes for the Duke of Edinburgh Award walks. The students are working on planners and using ordinance survey maps.
  • Two female Sixth Form student leaders work with younger students on route planning for the Duke of Edinburgh's award.
  • Three female Cowes Enterprise College students work on ordinance survey maps for their Duke of Edinburgh Award walks.
  • On the left, an ordinance survey map with highlights and anontations, on the right, page of a Duke of Edinburgh Award Journey Planner.