Another Outstanding Year for Duke of Edinburgh Across Amethyst Academies Trust

Amethyst Academies Trust has completed one of its strongest years yet for the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, with around 400 students from Aldersley High School and Moreton School taking part in 16 expeditions between mid-March and the end of the summer term.

Students from Years 9, 10 and 12 – including students from the Ladder Centre – completed their Bronze, Silver and Gold practice and assessed expeditions across some of the most challenging and rewarding countryside in the region.

A Year of Expeditions

Bronze participants completed routes on Cannock Chase and the Long Mynd in Shropshire. Silver students extended their challenge to include the Stiperstones, navigating longer and more demanding terrain across multiple days. Gold students are currently completing their assessed expedition in the Peak District in Derbyshire from 6 to 9 July, with the Year 12 Gold cohort set to take on the Brecon Beacons in South Wales after the summer holiday.

Virtually every student who took part has passed their expedition section – a remarkable achievement across such a large cohort. Evidence for the Volunteering, Physical and Skill sections of the award will be collated after the summer break, at which point students will be confirmed for their full awards.

Resilience in Challenging Conditions

The year was not without its challenges. Moreton Year 10 faced particularly difficult conditions in mid-June, encountering heavy and sustained rainfall during their expedition. Despite this, every student completed the challenge with determination and a positive attitude – qualities that are central to what the Duke of Edinburgh programme is designed to develop.

A Huge Thank You to Our Staff

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary commitment of the staff who plan, support and accompany students throughout the programme. A sincere thank you to Andy Grimshaw and to every member of staff who gave their time this year. You can find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh Awards on their website. https://www.dofe.org/ 

More adventures await after the summer.