Gold Success at the Palace!
On 28th March Callum Baxter (OR) and Rebecca Davies attended their Gold award ceremony at St James’ Palace in London. The students worked extremely hard to complete their award, having gone through all levels at Rossall from Bronze to Gold. They completed their walking expeditions in the Lake District last summer. Here is what Callum says about the day;
“The day was roasting and walking round London in a suit was a nightmare, however the day was memorable and something I will always remember. The staff were so friendly and polite and our group was given the honour of being able to keep the Duke talking for the longest. Despite the Duke's age he looks very fit and healthy and his sense of humour never deserts him, particularly when he accused people for cheating as they chose to ride horses than walk! It was great to hear from the referee Chris Hoy, who said although he may be seen not to always to make the right decision, you can only do what you feel is right at the time, as winners don't quit and quitters don't win - wise words which I'm sure many Rossallians already know, just from dealing with the weather on the Fylde coast!
I would like to thank all those involved, including Mrs. Riley and her team, who worked tirelessly to make sure we got where we needed to be on the expedition. I will miss the DofE and it is something that is highly recommended and that people can be remembered for. Good luck to all those who choose to do it, you'll need it!”
Expeditions this year
This week all the expeditions are running. 11 Gold students have ventured off to the Lake District for their navigation training and practice expedition. The Gold expedition package is run this year by Sam Sykes Ltd, an expedition company whose instructors will provide a fun, challenging time for our students. The Silver and Bronze groups are heading out to the Trough of Bowland for a 3-day expedition to embrace the delightful spring weather we’re experiencing! Waterproofs are definitely at the ready this time. No doubt there will be plenty of stories to tell next week. Good luck to all those involved.
To all those who are considering the award, this is what Callum and Rebecca had to say about the whole experience:
“Rossall DofE was one the hardest yet fun times of my life! From starting with the bronze award back in year 9 to now gaining my gold is nothing short of a miracle which has involved tears, hard work and some fantastic friends that I will keep for life. It brings you together and helps you to see people who weren't necessarily your friends before in a new and better light. The staff are amazing and fun to be around, not just on the expedition but throughout the experience...and of course the pub dinner once you've finished an expedition makes it all worthwhile!”
Callum Baxter
“Being dovetailed with school life, the Rossall D of E was quite easy- high points were making it into the Girls Basketball 1st team, becoming head of the Navy section for my efforts in CCF and the relief and enjoyment a hot bath provided at the end of the expedition. It also did prove to myself something about my stamina and was happily knitted into my personal statement for UCAS proving quite a lot about my time management and teamwork skills.” Rebecca Davies
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