Hutchesons' Pupils complete Outdoor Expeditions
This summer 150 pupils successfully completed their final assessed expedition as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. "This is an outstanding achievement, says ICT teacher Colin Macleod, "which the pupils are justifiably proud of. Expeditions have been by bike, sea-kayak, open canoe, foot and yacht. It was a challenging programme for them and involved four weekends and a week in the summer.
Highlights included:
Mr Macleod's sea-kayak group saw five sightings of otters in one morning in Arisaig. The group had a wonderful experience.
We loved the amazing campsites on white sandy beaches. The scenery on our expedition was breathtaking. We also enjoyed growing closer as a group and rising to the challenge of navigation in remote locations.
Mr Paton's sailing team travelled on Ocean Youth Trust's 72-foot long yacht. On the final expedition they went from Oban to Tobermory on Mull, visiting the islands of Eigg and Rum.
Mr Williamson's Gold mountain bike group cycled back to Newtonmore from Skye, through Knoydart. They went over the notorious 2526ft high Corrieyairack Pass which forms part of General Wade's military route built in 1731. If it had been kept open as a road it would be the highest road in the UK. This path almost became the site of a major battle in the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart encamped on the height of the pass.
Teamwork is the most important part of DofE as shown by three of the comments Dr Smith's Silver Open Canoe group:
A big part of the enjoyment was being trusted to look after yourself and others in the group.
What I enjoyed was getting to know the members of your group on a deeper level and having experiences together that will last a lifetime.
I found everyone in our group became closer and we all grew in confidence. It was a life-changing experience for all.
