DofE Expeditions 2025. 48 YR9 & 10 pupils have embarked to Cannock Chase over the last week to complete their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition and what fun was had by all. There was huge success throughout the days spent over at Cannock Chase, from navigating their way across the chase to cooking up a storm on the evening for their dinners. With 100% pass rate, it will be something that the pupils will not forget in a hurry and look back at it with great pride and accomplishment. The two different groups were faced with complete different conditions as it was 30 degree heat on one expedition but then strong winds and rain on the other, despite this all of our pupils showed perseverance, togetherness as a team and the willingness to succeed and push through the pain of working for over 10 hours across two days. Many of our pupils shone throughout our time at the chase, with the Smestow value of Success Achieved Together at the full front of everything we did. From navigating as a team across the chase, to putting the tents up when we got to the campsite, cooking their dinners together to even washing up after they had cooked. There was even time to toast some marshmallows and have a game of cards on the evening around the campsite.

All pupils really did withhold this value and many others as they really did themselves and Smestow proud. Well done to all pupils and we look forward to not only next years Bronze expedition, but many of these pupils going on to their Silver Award for DofE which is fantastic for their development and career pathways.