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Duke of Edinburgh

 

For many the expedition section holds the biggest challenges, which come in different forms, from enduring pouring rain on Snowdon to organising your group in planning what food you will take.  In preparation we have a comprehensive training programme. At Bronze level training for walking expeditions is delivered through CCF on Wednesday afternoons. For Silver and Gold we bring in specialist instructors to work with us in delivering training. Silver is limited to walking expeditions; but, exploring more technical and remote terrain. At Gold level we offer a much wider range of expeditions including walking, canoeing, cycling and mountaineering in the Alps.  We also have groups organising their own Gold expeditions either through organisations such as BSES or independently, as long as it meets the DofE’s 20 conditions and fits into the categories below.
 
There are six categories of Expedition activity:
On foot, By bicycle, By boat, By canoe or kayak, By wheelchair or On horseback.

 

The 2010/11 Expeditions framework:

All Bronze trips and the CCF trips are administered by Gerry Long (gl@wellingtoncollege.org.uk), and the non-CCF expeditions by Ben Attenborough (bta@wellingtoncollege.org.uk ). More detailed information will be sent out following initial registration. 

Costs 2011/12

There are changes to the expedition framework this year, including options for expeditions through the CCF and a fast track scheme for Silver. Numbers for all expeditions are limited and 50% non-refundable deposits will be charged to your Michaelmas sundries account. Due to hire costs of equipment, differing training requirements and military subsidies for the CCF, costs vary.

Bronze expeditions  (4th Form) 

Can either be done on the weekend option or through the Easter CCF camp. The camp is a better option for those who also would like to gain a broader experience of outdoor pursuits. A summer weekend may be available to those who cannot make the earlier options.

  • November Bronze assessed weekend £50 
  • March CCF AT camp £180
  • Summer weekend op1
  • Summer weekend op2

Silver expeditions  (usually undertaken in 5th Form but also any 4th Form who have completed the Bronze assessed weekend in November). 

Two options are available to complete this: the CCF Adventure Training camp (CCF members only) or the DofE Easter Trip (open to all). Both will follow a similar format, including training, practice and assessment based in the Brecon Beacons.

  • March CCF AT camp £180 
  • April DofE expeditions £235

Gold expeditions (6th Form). 

Expeditions can be conducted on foot, by canoe or on bikes. The training, practice and assessed expeditions are conducted separately. Training is undertaken during term time. The practice expeditions can be completed on the CCF Adventure Training camp (CCF members only) or the DofE Easter Trip (open to all). Canoeing and cycling are only available on the DofE Trip; these people will also need to attend two additional specific expedition training courses. All Gold participants will also need to organise their assessed expeditions for the Summer holiday, as such they will determine the costs and dates.

  • March CCF AT camp (walking only) £180
  • April DofE expeditions (all eligible) £235
  • Additional cost for canoeing expeditions £160; Additional cost for cycling expeditions £280 Summer Assessment costs TBC 

Dates 2011/12

Michaelmas 2011

27/09    Registration closes for all award levels

 

TBC     Expeditions talk (compulsory for all Silver and Gold participants)

 

25-27/11 Bronze assessed weekend (fast track route)

 

6/11      Specific expedition training 1 (for Gold canoeing and cycling)

Lent 2012

5/02      Specific expedition training 2 (for Gold canoeing and cycling)

 

20/02    Expedition paperwork due (from Silver and Gold participants)

 

7/03      Expeditions talk on kit (compulsory for all Silver and Gold participants)

 

15/03    Expeditions talk on food (compulsory for all Silver and Gold participants)

 

23-30/03 CCF Adventure Training Camp (for Bronze, Silver and Gold walking)

 

10-15/04 DofE Easter Trip (for Silver and Gold, walking, canoeing and cycling)

Summer 2012

14/05    Expedition paperwork due (from Gold participants)

 

30/06-06/07 CCF Military Camp (open to all CCF but can count for Gold residential option - no expeditions) - £45

9-10/06 Bronze assessed weekend op1

29-01/07 Bronze assessed weekend op2

                

TBC     Gold assessed expeditions (all Gold,  dependendant on group planning)

Various            Opportunities for CCF members to participate in training courses which can count as the residential for Gold