Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold groups have been out, in all weather over the past few weekends:
This term has been exceptionally busy and eventful for the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions at Kilgraston. Our students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination as they tackled the challenges presented by the unpredictable Scottish weather.
The Bronze teams kicked off the expeditions, facing some of the most dreadful weather conditions. Despite having enjoyed sunshine during their practice walk back in March, the actual expedition through the Pentland Hills was a stark contrast. Battling through torrential rain and being soaked to the skin, the girls showed immense perseverance. Unfortunately, the severe weather forced the abandonment of the expedition, and we are awaiting a decision on whether they will need to retake this element to complete their award.
Next up were the Silver teams, who embarked on their expeditions with impressive enthusiasm. They completed two weeks of back-to-back expeditions, starting with a 2-day practice hike in the hills around Dunkeld. Unlike the Bronze teams, they experienced the heat of the sun, a stark reminder of Scotland’s ever-changing weather. Their 3-day qualifier took them to the scenic area of Callander, where they continued to demonstrate their skills and endurance. Well done to all our Silver participants!
Finally, it was time for the Gold Qualifier. Having completed their practice earlier in the year, the Gold participants faced the exciting challenge of traveling to the other side of Scotland to Fort William. Over four days, they experienced the full spectrum of Scottish weather—sunshine, rain, wind, and even snow on the final day. Their determination and spirit were truly commendable as they completed their final trek back to the bus, ready to enjoy the well-deserved ride home.
Congratulations to all our Duke of Edinburgh participants for their incredible efforts and achievements this term. Your resilience and teamwork have been inspiring, and we look forward to seeing you continue to thrive in your future adventures. A huge thank-you to Stuart and his team at Outlook Adventures as without them these expeditions would not have been possible.
Mr Brookes, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and Head of Mathematics
Duke of Edinburgh experience at Kilgraston
Duke of Edinburgh, while a tough experience was something I will remember forever. It made me realise just how resourceful I could be and how valuable a good team is! I will also remember the amazing memories with the girls, while it was difficult, it was also really fun.
Of course, it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine (although we did see a double rainbow and lots of sun at the end of day two), The laughs while walking up hills out of breath and my wet sleeping bag (make sure to put everything in dry bags) were worth it. It also tested my cooking skills, as I managed to make a stir fry for lunch on day two consisting of pepper and spinach.
I will definitely use the skills that I learnt from Duke of Edinburgh, such as patience, medical skills (like the use of blister plasters) and how to have an amazing time in the most unlikely circumstances.
On day one we were all really discouraged at the start because we went the wrong way, only to fix it and loose a member of our team to injury, however by the end of our bronze expedition we got to see a double rainbow, and a group of extremely aggressive sheep who definitely did not want us there.
Overall, Duke of Edinburgh was worth all the hardships, and you can be sure I am doing silver next year!
Aine, Lower Fifth
Kilgraston’s Equestrian Centre discussed in outdoor learning magazine feature
Renowned national magazine, Independent School Parent, has featured Kilgraston School in its Spring 2022 Prep edition.
Increasingly, the narrative to take learning beyond the classroom is gathering traction, no less in the piece, entitled “Let’s go outside,” detailing schools with an approach that “inspires confidence, instils engagement and supports mental health.”
Kilgraston’s on-site Equestrian Centre and benefits thereof are discussed online on pages 24/25/26.
Copies of the magazine are available at main reception.
7 February 2022
How Duke of Edinburgh Award is continuing during COVID
Throughout the COVID Pandemic and all its attendant restrictions, the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) at Kilgraston has continued to run. It has made a few adjustments to its various conditions to allow participants to continue with their chosen activities in a safe and legal manner.
Anyone who achieves any of the Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards during this pandemic will certainly have earned it; demonstrating those key DofE qualities of Resilience; Commitment; Initiative; Adaptability; Enthusiasm and plenty more. Even during a pandemic, DofE has remained as an area of demonstrable Personal Development, both to the individual and also to Universities, Colleges and potential employers.
Through the current academic year, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Groups at Kilgraston have demonstrated these same qualities through persevering with their activities (and changing them if need be); attending online training sessions in preparation for the expeditions; and, in the case of the Bronze and Silver Groups, taking advantage of a small window of opportunity in late November to complete their expeditions (Silver Practice and Bronze Qualifier), which means that they are well ahead in their progress towards their full Awards. In fact, a number of the Bronze group have already completed their Award and have embarked on Silver, with more to follow soon!
There are still some expeditions to run (Gold and Silver Qualifier) and we are hopeful of finding dates in June when this may be possible after all the assessment deadlines have passed! The girls who achieve their Awards then will certainly have earned them.
Mr James Ferrier and Miss Lisa O’Brien
You can read more about the people behind Duke of Edinburgh Award at Kilgraston including Mr James Ferrier here.