This week, 44 students successfully completed the expedition section of their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in the beautiful surroundings of La Colmiane and Valdeblore.

Over two challenging days, students demonstrated outstanding resilience, determination, and teamwork as they navigated their way independently through the mountains on 2 x 10km hikes using only maps and compasses. Despite encountering a few wrong turns along the way, every team showed excellent problem-solving skills, working together to relocate themselves and find the correct route without assistance.

The expedition was about much more than hiking. Students were responsible for carrying everything they needed for the journey, including their food and water, cooking equipment, and camping gear. They successfully set up their tents, prepared their own meals, managed their supplies, and looked after themselves throughout the expedition.

One of the most impressive aspects of the expedition was the way students supported one another. Whether helping a teammate with a heavy backpack, encouraging each other up a steep climb, or working together to solve navigation challenges, every group demonstrated the true spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Students developed a wide range of valuable life skills, including navigation, communication, leadership, resilience, independence, organisation, and teamwork. These are skills that will benefit them far beyond the expedition itself.

As Mougins' first Duke of Edinburgh cohort, we are incredibly proud to announce that all 44 students passed their expedition with flying colours. They have successfully completed the expedition section of the Award and now need only to complete their volunteering, physical, and skills sections to achieve their full Bronze Award. Certificates will be presented during a special awards ceremony in September.

Following the success of this year’s programme, Bronze Award sign-ups will be opening soon for students in Years 9, 10, and 11. You can register your interest here.

We are also delighted to announce that the Silver Award will be launching this year for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 who have completed their Bronze. If your child would like to continue next year, you can sign up here.

Congratulations to all of our participants for an incredible achievement. Their enthusiasm, perseverance, and teamwork made this expedition a huge success, and we look forward to seeing many more students take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award in the years ahead.