Over 100 students from Norton Hill and Somervale Schools have recently completed their Practice Expedition on the Mendips, as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

This is the introductory level of the internationally-renowned award, and is on offer to all Year 10 students across the two schools.

Carol Ali, Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator and Expedition Organiser, said: “Walking 20km across the Mendips for two days carrying everything you need in a heavy rucksack is harder than you might think.

“Add some wet and windy weather, a ‘Boil-In-The-Bag’ supper, and a night under canvas, and you soon begin to appreciate some of the challenges they have to contend with.”

For many young people this is their first taste of self-sufficiency, whilst undertaking a challenging task. The expedition section helps develop planning and problem-solving skills, not to mention individual and team-dynamics when things don’t go so well, and for many, is key to the success of the award.