Duke of Edinburgh – Bronze Assessed Expedition – Friday 13th to Saturday 14th June 2025 (Selected Students Only)

Dear Parents/Carers, 

We just wanted to get in touch to remind you of a few things before the expedition next weekend. 

Kit

All students are required to carry a full-sized rucksack. They must have waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket that is easily accessible. They need to carry all their food (which needs to include 2 x lunch, 1 x dinner, and 1 x breakfast as well as any additional snacks). There needs to be room in their bag for the group kit to be packed as well (tent, stove). They will need to repack their bag before departing on the expedition, sharing the group kit between them. Students also need to carry 1.5l-2l of water. There will be the opportunity to refill at certain checkpoints if needed and when at the campsite. 

Behaviour 

Unfortunately, the expedition company raised some concerns about the attitude and engagement of a minority of students during the practice expedition.  Students need to be trusted to be walking independently, without direct supervision, with their group on the Mendips. Students must be polite and respectful to all adults (this includes school staff, expedition leaders and other members of the public). While walking, they should be sticking to footpaths and the route planned. If they have any concerns, they should contact their expedition leaders or the school trip phones so that we can support them. Any behaviour that is deemed unacceptable students may be removed from the expedition and will not be able to pass this element of the award.  

At the campsite, students will be given rules that they must adhere to, and students will be expected to behave respectfully towards other campers, and all staff.  

If at any point during the expedition weekend student’s behaviour falls below this standard, parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child. If this happens, they will have failed the expedition and not be able to pass this element of the award. 

Weather  

Please keep an eye on the weather closer to the weekend, and if the weather is looking sunny (fingers crossed!) then send students with a sunhat and suncream. 

Drop off & pick up 

Below is a reminder of the drop off and pick up times for the weekend. Please be aware that both car parks aren’t very big, so please car share where possible. 

Friday 13th June  

Drop off time 09:00am 

Location – Winscombe Recreation Ground, Winscombe, BS25 1AZ  

What 3 Words Location: inserting.restrict.dripped  

Saturday 14th June  

Pick up time 3.30pm (dependent on groups return!)  

Location – Burrington Parking, Burrington Coombe, BS40 7AS  

What 3 Words Location: puppets.dripping.adopters  

Post Expedition 

If students have borrowed any kit, we ask that it is cleaned prior to being returned and is returned in a timely manner. 

To gain the award, students need to approach their assessors to complete their reports. There will be an awards evening in the Autumn term for those students who have managed to gain the full Bronze award. 

If you have any questions ahead of next weekend, please do get in touch with me (emily.baker@clf.uk)  or Mr Littlejohns (james.littlejohns@clf.uk). 

Many thanks, 

Mrs E Baker | DofE Coordinator