Northwood College for Girls – Duke of Edinburgh
SILVER EXPEDITIONS – YEAR 10
The Year 10s undertaking their Silver Award this year completed their practice expedition in the White Peaks during the Easter holidays and undertook their 3 day assessed expedition in the Brecon Beacons during the May half term. They were terrific! Considering they only started learning how to navigate in The Chilterns this time last year they were fabulous in the Brecon Beacons. Out of camp before other schools, traversing mountains in the rain and all in good humour whilst looking after each other. During one traverse of a mountain range, one participant felt unable to continue so two other girls stepped in and carried her rucksack between them to help her along. Considering carrying their own rucksack is challenging, this selfless act spoke volumes and they thought nothing of doing to it to help each other out.
The expedition culminated with an ascent of Pen Y Fan in windy conditions. I overheard one of the girls saying “It’s fine. If I fall over, I will just get up again and keep going.” What a fantastic attitude! The grit, determination and strength of character the girls showed is going to be invaluable to them in the future. Well done girls
BRONZE – YEAR 9
65 Year 9 students undertook their Bronze expedition training and practice expedition during half term. Day 1 the weather was kind and after putting their tents up the teams undertook navigation training. It was a beautiful afternoon in the Chilterns and after cooking dinner there was plenty of time for fun and games. All were up early on day 2, well organised and out of camp by 08:00 which for a first expedition was exceptional. Their navigation was tested in the rain which was challenging, but all completed a successful practice expedition and they are ready for their assessed expedition mid June. It was a steep learning curve for the Year 9s and many reported back that they realise they have to have more confidence in their decisions and not doubt themselves so much. Each team has now planned their assessed expedition in detail and is undertaking it this weekend!
GOLD AWARD PRESENTATION AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
On 22 May Northwood College girls Fiza Owais, Sakshi Kabra, Raashiqah Nagoor and Afreen Fazil received their Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace. It was a very exciting day attended by young people from all over the UK who have completed their Gold Awards.
COMPLETED SILVER AWARDS
Huge congratulations to Sakina Merali, Holly Wilkins, Laini Djuma, Harriet Lewis, Amina Syed, Selena Wickramasinghe, Maydini Prakhya, Priyana Malde, Jada Richard and Diya Patel who have all achieved their Silver Award. Very well done girls!