News & Resources

Rector's Message Request a Prospectus E-newsletter Bus routes and directions

Posted: Sunday 10 July 2011

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition success

Duke of Edunburgh's Awards

This year 27 sixth year pupils and 10 fourth year pupils from Dr Smith's Gold/Silver group successfully completed their Final Assessed Expedition at Active Outdoor Pursuits on 25th June to 1st July 2011.  

To reach this point they had completed training weekends throughout the year, enabling them to carry out their expeditions competently on their own. They ventured into remote areas in the Highlands of Scotland on sea-kayaks, Canadian canoes and on foot. 

The sea-kayaker's expedition was planned around the Arisaig and Moidart coastline. The campsites included the beautiful white sands of Arisaig and Sandaig Bays. Two Canadian groups travelled along the various sections of the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. 

The third group was a team mostly made up of pupils who completed their Silver expedition in Dr Smith's group. They had chosen a challenging new route through the lochs of Inverpolly National Nature reserve in the North West Highland near Ullapool. Loch Veyatie, Fionn and Sionascaig to name a few were very challenging because they were very narrow and had fast moving water in certain sections and portage was necessary over land in places. The Silver group walked in and around Loch Laggan down to Loch Pattack past Ben Alder lodge and through to Dalwhinnie.

The weather was mostly dry and cloudy with some sunny spells - ideal expedition weather. The wind on the whole kept the dreaded midges away and was working to help the water group for most of the time! 

Dr Smith offered her personal thanks to the Gold/Silver group for making her time at the centre so enjoyable and wished the Golds all the best in whatever they endeavour to do following their school career.

Tags: Duke of Edinburghs Award, Former Pupils

<  Return to news