Hove Park School is an officially licensed provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The expedition is the highlight for many who do the Duke of Edinburgh award. It can be the most challenging and rewarding section. To get a flavour of an expedition watch this video. Flavour of an expedition 1 min
It is designed to be achievable by absolutely everyone, as long as the 20 Conditions are observed, and you observe the Countryside Code (see below x2 ) expeditions are successful.
or these videos made by Hove Park students in previous years.
At Hove Park School our expeditions are run in-house by trained staff qualified in group management in the countryside, navigation and first aid. They volunteer their time.
At Silver, we have an expedition training programme which runs after school for 40 minutes. Details of the course are further below, with more information about planning. [Dates tbc.]
We also have a practice expedition for all students where you further develop your navigation skills, campcraft and cooking, as well as planning and walking a route in unfamiliar territory- usually the Ashdown Forest- setting and breaking camp. This is at beginning of the Summer term time, camping at a designated campsite. [Date tbc]
Our assessed expeditions take place near the beginning of the Autumn term over three days camping over two nights, normally in the New Forest, an area of outstanding natural beauty. [Dates tbc]
Students are in teams of 4-7 and you walk together as a group along a route you have planned on official footpaths, using OS Maps and compass and the navigation skills you have acquired. You have an aim which forms part of the task of the expedition, which must include 7 hours of activity a day, including walking time.
The staff will support you at road crossings and at check points throughout your journey to ensure safety. Staff are present at the campsite at all times, but the aim is to ensure an enjoyable experience for all with the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and independence. You will be carefully trained in the use of cooking equipment provided by the school. Tents are also provided.
To find out more about preparing, there are details of the kit list [here] which is only a guide, it must be stressed. More details will be sent out.
Route planning and training take place in after-school sessions from January. A copy of the programme for 2020-21 will be available here:
You can also watch these videos about navigation basics from Ordnance Survey and Glenmore Lodge training centre:
These form part of the after-school training programme. Basic map-reading skills and navigation will be taught.
Nevill Campus
Hove Park School
Nevill Road, Hove,
East Sussex, BN3 7BN
Nevill Office: 01273 082817
Valley Campus
Hove Park School
Hangleton Way, Hove,
East Sussex, BN3 8AA
Valley Office: 01273 082857