Pupils get stuck into their Silver and Gold DofE Practice Expeditions

March 23rd 2026

29 of the finest King's pupils headed out to the Quantocks early on Saturday morning. New boots, full rucksacks and absolute bags of enthusiasm were loaded into the minibuses and trailer, to set off in the sunshine. Immediately upon arrival, the pupils got on with the job in hand and maintained humour and enthusiasm throughout the first day of hard walking. They were cheerful, funny and dare I say a little bit competitive throughout, and this positivity was apparent for the entirely of the three days. Day one saw some questionable navigating by some, but that is in the nature of practicing and everyone learned from their mistakes. A cold night saw the pupils head to bed early.

Despite sore shoulders, blisters and the other trials that accompany such events, the pupils woke and were raring to get started on Day 2; a beautiful walk, taking in the stunning Jurassic coast. They took this in their stride and returned in super time, with more blisters and the signs of fatigue showing in some ways, but definitely not in dampening their spirits.

Day three was probably the most challenging, in terms of navigation and in terrain. Yet, without hesitation and with smiles on their faces, the pupils all set off with (dare I say) a spring in their steps and there were some records set (Seal Team 6) and again, they returned to the busses with smiles and laughter.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience for the staff, and (I am sure) the pupils.

Speaking of staff, Mr Marriage, Mrs Checketts and Mr Hamlin (DofE Assessor) were not only good company for the pupils, but they were an incredible support for Mr Jeffrey on his first full expedition, (they put up with his ramblings and omissions) and huge thanks should go to those people for giving up their weekend to join us on what was, a wonderfully uplifting experience for all involved. They embodied the spirit of The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, showing tolerance, patience, kindness and a spirit of adventure.

Malcolm Jeffrey - Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator