Bronze Expedition

How does anyone know you have achieved the award?

The expedition is the highlight for many who do the Duke of Edinburgh award. It can be the most challenging and rewarding section. To get a flavour of an expedition watch this video [here]. It is designed to be achievable by absolutely everyone, as long as the 20 Conditions are observed, and you observe the Countryside Code (see below x2 ) expeditions are successful.

At Hove Park School our expeditions are run in-house by trained staff qualified in group management in the countryside, navigation and first aid. They volunteer their time.

At Bronze, we have an expedition training programme which runs after school for 40 minutes. Details of the course are further below, with more information about planning. [Dates tbc.]

We also have a practice expedition for all students where you try out your navigation skills, campcraft and cooking, as well as have the experience of planning and walking a route, setting and breaking camp. This means that the later assessed expedition is a real opportunity to demonstrate what has been learned and achieve a successful outcome. The practice expedition is on a Friday in term time walking to and camping at a designated campsite near the South Downs.. Ity finishes Saturday morning [Date tbc]

Our assessed expeditions take place in the summer term over two days camping overnight at a campsite in the South Downs National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. [Dates tbc]

Students are in teams of 4-7 and you walk together as a group along a route you have planned on official footpaths, using OS Maps and compass and the navigation skills you have acquired.

The staff will support you at road crossings and at check points throughout your journey to ensure safety. Staff are present at the campsite at all times, but the aim is to ensure an enjoyable experience for all with the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and independence.  You will be carefully trained in the use of cooking equipment provided by the school. Tents are also provided.

To find out more about preparing, there are details of the kit list [here] which is only a guide, it must be stressed. More details will be sent out.

There is also a meal planner [here]; information about eating on expedition (here) and typical bronze expedition food (here).  These will be covered in the training programme.

 Route planning and training take place in after-school sessions. A copy of the programme for 2020-21 will be available here:

You can also watch these videos about navigation basics from Ordnance Survey and Glenmore Lodge training centre:



These form part of the after-school training programme.  Basic map-reading skills and navigation will be taught.