Duke of Edinburgh students cover 35km in two days on their Bronze Level Qualifying Expedition

The Qualifying Journey for the Bronze level took place last Thursday and Friday. Participants had to navigate a route of approximately 35 km while carrying backpacks weighing around 15 kg throughout the unsupervised course. The first day proved challenging for all groups as, due to various errors, night fell, and the final 6 km had to be completed through the forest using their torches. After a meticulous analysis of the errors made during the journey, they significantly improved on the second day and reached the designated meeting point on time.

It was an intense experience for many of them, but one they speak of with pride. For Greta and Leo, Year 10, it was especially noteworthy. "The Duke of Edinburgh has been a life-changing experience, personally and in groups. I have seen all of my teammates improve themselves all over this journey. It hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it. It has clearly been the best opportunity ever."

Exclusive outdoor learning programme

The British and International School located in Mos (Pontevedra) is the only centre in Vigo and its area to deliver this prestigious international programme, which gives young people the opportunity to discover themselves and overcome their limitations, inviting them to set their own challenges and overcome them. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award, aimed at students aged 14 and over, is also highly respected and valued in the field of university entrance applications, as well as by companies and institutions, enhancing such important soft skills as leadership, problem solving, teamwork, solidarity and resilience, among others.

Before undertaking this challenging programme, O Castro British International School offers its students an exclusive outdoor learning programme, from the age of three upwards: "The Journey". A programme specifically designed by Globeducate's Education Department and integrated across the curriculum, it is a unique opportunity to build students' character, knowledge, skills, competencies and global perspectives, as they embark on a personal journey of discovery and challenge that lays the foundations for going beyond the Duke of Edinburgh.

School Collaboration

Last week, we had the visit of Giacinta Gatland and Stephen Clough, teachers from Coruña British School. Both came to observe the organization of the Bronze Expedition at our school. After an initial training day with Mr. Lewis and Mr. González, they joined the group during their journey through the mountains of Covelo.

Throughout both days, they witnessed the management of safety aspects in real-time, which included the reconstruction of a bridge that had been washed away by the river's rise. They also learnt about the tracking of students, route assessments, and map preparation to ensure everything goes in the best possible way.

On the second day, they undertook a route as if they were regular participants, testing the acquired knowledge in navigation, compass usage, and map comprehension.