May 2017
Dear Student / Parent / Guardian
As you will be aware, your son / daughter is to undertake the first expedition required to complete this section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The arrangements are as follows:
Departure: Sunday 2nd July 10.15am – Please meet promptly at 10am
Return: Thursday 6th July – Collection time approximately 9.30pm
The expedition is physically and mentally challenging and some students do find the experience quite tough. If, for any reason, a student feels unable to complete the expedition, I will need to ask someone from home to come and collect him/her. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to look after students who are unable to participate fully in the walks.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme acknowledges that mobile phones are extremely useful in emergencies. For the duration of the expedition mobile phones should not be used for non-urgent calls. This is a requirement for both Gold Assessed and Practice students. Each group should make provision to have a mobile phone, packed in a sealed plastic bag.
The recommendations regarding the use of gas stoves are as follows: Students are advised by Worcestershire County Council to use the meths trangias provided by the school or ‘screw in - self sealing’ gas canisters to fit some forms of stoves students may have. The use of ‘camping gaz’ style stoves that are pierced as part of the fitting process is not recommended and should not be used on this expedition. This is of particular importance on a gold outing because of the length of the expedition and the fact that students will have to change fuel canisters.
Students are reminded that small penknives as part of kit are allowed but not larger knives. Audio equipment is not allowed on the expedition. With regard to behaviour, normal school rules apply.
Throughout the duration of this expedition Prince Henry’s can be contacted on the numbers above. In the event of an emergency, outside of School hours, you can contact Mr B Freeman on 07970278007 or Mrs S Thomas on 07718654776.
On arrival at Black Rock Sands students will be able to buy fish & chips or similar for their meal on the Sunday evening – therefore an appropriate amount of money is required.
A very limited amount of kit required for the expedition (tents & stoves) can be borrowed from me at School. Please ask me well in advance should you wish to borrow any kit. Emergency contact sheets and consent forms are attached. These must be filled in for all students. Please return them to me by WEDNESDAY 10th MAY.
If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at School.
Yours faithfully
J Parnham
D of E Coordinator