D of E Award sees students discover local iconic landscape

The College's Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Coordinator, Paul Moore, writes about the student experience of the 2021 Qualifying Expedition:

"Returning to the start of the new academic year, over 30 College students took part in their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award qualifying expedition. Having successfully completed their practice expedition back in July, the students were keen to get started on the qualifying expedition. As with the practice, their qualifying expedition was run following some Covid adjustments, meaning they had the opportunity to do some more exploring of their local area. Students commented throughout the expedition how they had never been to some of the places they encountered on each of the routes.

"Over four glorious days (25-28 August), the groups of intrepid explorers ventured to places including Arrowe Park, New Brighton, Storeton and Bebington using a combination of footpaths, bridleways and of course pavements to weave their way around the Wirral. All of the groups had an aim of producing a walking guide to places of interest on the Wirral, so in advance of the expedition, researched some places of interest to focus on such as Birkenhead Park, Fort Perch Rock, Arrowe Park and the Floral Pavilion to name just a few. The groups worked with positivity and great navigation skills each day, supporting each other and making sure they took photos at the places they had planned.

"All who took part in the expedition successfully demonstrated the skills needed to complete the physical journey, found ‘new’ places and made some lasting memories. All that remains for them to complete the Expedition section is for the groups to present their walking guides, highlighting the landmarks and places of interest chosen.

"Well done to all of the students who approached their DofE With A Difference Gold Qualifying Expedition with such happy, smiling faces. It was a joy for the staff team to support everyone in completing their expeditions.

"The Gold DofE is open to all College students."

D of E Qualifying Expedition - 2021