The Duke of Edinburgh Award is the world-leading youth achievement scheme in a variety of life skills and early in April thirty-two Year 9 and 10 students from Harris Academy South Norwood set off with four members of staff to Farthing Downs in Coulsdon for a walk offering the youngsters the chance to practice their map-reading skills.
The trip proved a great success as they learned how to use their compass to guide their way and interpret the Ordnance Survey map.
“A great time was had by all!
Students from Harris South Norwood take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, beginning with map-reading on Farthing Downs
The team traversed through woods, wet grasslands, up hills and down valleys to their first meeting point of Chaldon Church, back to the final meeting point. As one participating staff member commented: “Nobody got lost – a few minor diversions, but no search parties needed and no injuries. A great time was had by all!”
In late May there were further DofE projects leading ultimately to greater scheme challenges in the Lake District and the Brecon Beacons.
Mr Soar, HASN Executive Principal, said: “I passionately believe in the importance of learning outside the classroom. I wanted to launch the Duke of Edinburgh Award at HASN to give the children to have the opportunity to walk in the wild and experience the natural world. It is amazing how few make the link between the food on their table and the cows and lambs in the fields.
“But, further, it is a thrill to see them learning to orientate themselves in isolated places and gradually working towards experiencing the complex and difficult terrain of places like the Brecon Beacons and the Lake District. The feat of climbing 900 metres high or walking for 8 hours with a pack on your back is something of which to be proud. I want our children at Norwood to get a glimpse of what the SAS and Royal Marines do.”
HARRIS ACADEMY SOUTH NORWOOD
Cumberlow Avenue
South Norwood
SE25 6AE
t: 020 8405 5070
e: admissionsh@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk
w: harrissouthnorwood.org.uk
Twitter: @HASN_NEWS
