St Killian’s students’ expedition challenge

Ten Year 14 students from St Killian’s College recently took part in the bronze level Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The group consisted of Jenny McHenry, Emma Robbin, Hannah Fergie, Emma Ashe, Hannah McIlwaine, Lauren O’Boyle, Kathryn Cooper, Shannon McLoughlin, Paul O’Loan, Sean McLoughlin and guided by Ciaran Kinney.

The bronze award has four main sections: volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. Each section requires three months of commitment and, in addition to this, each participant completed an extra three months in a section of their choice.

The teenagers also had to participate in a two-day expedition in the “wilderness”.

The St Killian’s group saw a wide range of talents developed, from rowing to poetry, from knitting to charity work. Energy, self-discipline, commitment and teamwork went into each section of this award.

However, the most memorable part of the whole Duke of Edinburgh Scheme was the expedition. Two days and one night on their own - no technology, no home comforts and no toilet.