The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Training Weekend took place on the 22nd and 23rd November. Two mini-busses packed with gleeful Bronze and Gold scheme pupils, plus a lot of kit, left for the Ingram Valley in the Cheviots, Northumberland early on Saturday morning. 

Within two groups, the students equipped with maps and compasses navigated a course across track and field through mud and snow. Cheered by bright autumnal sunshine and a packed lunch all emerged smiling and ready for a night at Ingram Village Hall. Cooking skills and camp craft came to the fore, with the team knocking up huge portions of pasta Bolognese for dinner, before taking time to stargaze at the spectacular array above.

We left for the Simonside hills in the morning for a foggy day of rough walking and careful navigation to be greeted by sleet, rainbows and some sunshine. 

All embraced the timeless values of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, displaying team work, resilience and enthusiasm.

The Climbing Club

The Climbing Club, is a Wednesday afternoon club, for Years 12,13,14. It is an informal and social activity for those wishing to try a new sport at the Durham Climbing Centre. The emphasis is on having fun in a non competitive environment, although you can push yourself as hard as you please. If you would like to come along to The Climbing Club email Mr Pickles on c.pickles@dcsf.org.uk