In September, our Silver Award students embarked on an incredible expedition through the scenic landscapes of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Barnard Castle. Over the course of three days, they covered nearly 60km (37 miles), testing their endurance, teamwork, and outdoor skills. This challenging journey involved hiking across rugged terrain, navigating paths and pushing themselves to new limits.

The group camped for two nights in what had been uncertain weather conditions leading up to the expedition, with heavy rain falling throughout the week. Fortunately, the skies cleared, and the students were blessed with dry weather for the duration of their journey, allowing them to focus fully on the task at hand. Despite the earlier forecast, they remained steadfast, showing true determination in the face of unpredictability and boggy ground.

Their resilience shone as they tackled the physical and mental challenges of the expedition. Carrying all their necessary equipment, they navigated the rolling hills and winding trails, making their way to each checkpoint and eventually the campsite, with a positive spirit and unwavering commitment to reaching their goal.

Congratulations to all our Silver Award students this year for completing this demanding challenge.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff who made this experience possible – Miss Sirrell, Mrs Waterson, Miss Shearer, Mr Bone and Mrs Osborn. Without their dedication and support, these young people wouldn’t have had the opportunity to participate in such an enriching and formative journey. Their encouragement, guidance, and tireless efforts helped the students succeed and grow throughout the expedition.