Well Done to our Petty Pool Learners
A huge congratulations to the Petty Pool Vocational College learners who have completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions this year, supported by the Venturewood team.
This year saw learners take on both Bronze and Silver expeditions, developing their confidence, independence, teamwork and outdoor skills along the way.
Silver Award
Congratulations to Ben, Grace, Katie and Mikey, who have become the first learners at Petty Pool College to achieve their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award – a fantastic achievement.
Their Silver expedition was a three-day challenge that tested their ability to work together, navigate independently and be self-sufficient in the outdoors.
The group began by canoeing together along the River Weaver before separating into smaller groups and continuing their expedition independently. They spent both nights camping away from college, preparing their own food and managing the practical challenges that come with being self-sufficient outdoors.
On the second day, the learners completed a circular walking route around Tarporley, putting their navigation and physical skills to the test. The final day saw the group back on the water, canoeing along the canal as they worked towards their goal of exploring and experiencing different parts of the UK’s waterways.
For the learners, the expedition was about much more than completing the route. It gave them the opportunity to develop practical skills, take responsibility and work together to overcome challenges.
Bronze Award
Well done to Amey, Bartosz, Chloe, Reece and Ruby, who successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Their two-day expedition began with canoeing along the River Weaver, followed by the challenge of setting up camp and preparing a hot meal using Trangia stoves.
On day two, the group completed a 10km walk from Winsford Marina back to Petty Pool. Along the route, they worked together to navigate and find different signs, photographing them as part of their expedition challenge.
The experience gave the learners the chance to put their developing outdoor skills into practice, while building resilience and supporting one another throughout the expedition.
The DofE programme also forms part of a wider programme of personal development at Petty Pool. Alongside their expedition challenges, learners have been developing vocational, volunteering and physical skills – from horticulture and conservation to catering, hospitality, retail and sport.
For some learners, this has included volunteering in woodland areas across Cheshire, including Delamere Forest, giving them the opportunity to develop practical outdoor skills while contributing to conservation work.
Outdoor learning in action
Supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award is a great example of the partnership between Petty Pool Vocational College and Venturewood, bringing outdoor education into the wider learning experience.
The expeditions require learners to step outside their comfort zones, take responsibility and work together – creating real opportunities to develop confidence, independence and resilience.
As Emma Hunter, DofE Manager, said:
“A huge thank you to all the dedicated staff at Petty Pool; Teachers, Learning Mentors, the Outdoor Centre Team and wider college staff for their support throughout the award. The learners (and I) couldn’t have done it without you.”
Find out more about the Petty Pool Trust here.
