Over the Easter holidays, 80 Fourth and Fifth Year Hamptonians took part in a Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in the New Forest.
For Fourth Year pupils, the expedition marked their first opportunity to experience a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award venture, while for those in the Fifth Year it formed their assessed ‘real’ expedition. Working in small groups, pupils undertook a three‑day, two‑night adventure, navigating independently through the National Park while carrying all necessary equipment — including tents, stoves and carefully planned rations.
Along the way, pupils tackled varied terrain, tested their navigation skills and learned the realities of camp life, from cooking meals outdoors to pitching tents after a a long day hiking. Evenings at the campsite provided a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s challenges.
By the end of the expedition, there was a real sense of achievement among the groups, with tired legs, muddy boots and plenty of stories to tell. The experience marked an important and enjoyable milestone in the pupils’ Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey.
