Thirty-five intrepid Year 9 students from The Wilnecote School recently embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze expedition, a challenging two-day adventure that saw them hike through picturesque local landscapes and camp under the stars.

With backpacks brimming and tents and sleeping bags securely attached, the students set off from Wilnecote School on the first leg of their journey. Their initial nine-mile hike led them through the charming surroundings of Tamworth and its villages, showcasing the area’s natural beauty before arriving at their campsite at Kingsbury Water Park. Despite the significant distance covered, the students reportedly arrived in good time and excellent spirits, a testament to their preparation and camaraderie.

Upon reaching Kingsbury Water Park, the young adventurers wasted no time in pitching their tents, transforming the campsite into a temporary village. The evening was spent cooking their evening meals on camp stoves, a valuable experience in self-sufficiency and teamwork.

The tranquillity of the night, however, was broken earlier than some expected. “Who knew birds woke up at 4 AM?!” remarked one student, humorously recounting the dawn chorus that heralded the start of day two. After a night spent beneath the open skies of Kingsbury Water Park, the students efficiently packed up their gear, ready for the final push.

The return journey saw them tackle another ten-mile hike, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination as they made their way back to The Wilnecote School, successfully completing their Bronze expedition.

Mr Croydon, Assistant Headteacher and organiser of the Duke of Edinburgh awards at Wilnecote School, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements. “It was fantastic to see the dedication and teamwork displayed by our Year 9 students,” he commented. “They truly embraced the challenge, demonstrating not only their physical capabilities but also developing crucial life skills in navigation, campcraft, and resilience. This expedition is a vital part of their DofE journey and a memorable experience for all involved.”

One of the participating students shared their personal highlight: “It was tough at times, especially with the weight of the bags, but reaching the campsite and cooking our own food felt like a real accomplishment. And even though the birds woke us up super early, sleeping outside was actually really cool!”