Last weekend, our Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) students successfully completed their second training day hike, covering an impressive 12km route around Steyning and Cissbury.

Preparation began on the INSET day, when students returned to school in the afternoon to carefully check their equipment, including their cookers, which they later used to prepare a warm pasta meal—an important part of building independence and expedition skills.

The hike took place on Saturday, with students setting off promptly at 9am, full of excitement after their original December hike had been postponed due to stormy weather. This time, conditions were much more favourable, with dry skies and a strong southerly breeze. Their route took them around and over Cissbury Ring, with a well-earned halfway break above Steyning Bowl, where students used their cookers to make hot drinks before continuing on to complete their planned journey.

The team are now looking ahead with enthusiasm to their practice expedition next month, where they will continue developing their teamwork, resilience, and outdoor skills.