Duke of Edinburgh Nepal trek for Steyning students

The mountain adventure began for three Steyning Grammar School Sixth Form students on October 19 when they set off on a ten-day Nepal expedition.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Nov 2014, 10:17 BST
Students embark on Nepal Expedition SUS-141028-101602001Students embark on Nepal Expedition SUS-141028-101602001
Students embark on Nepal Expedition SUS-141028-101602001

Intrepid explorers, Lauren James, Shimal Patel and Alethia Hayden embarked on a once in a lifetime experience as they left to trek in Nepal as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

To support this venture the students have been involved in fundraising activities, raising awareness through the school and the local community.

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This expedition is challenging and will take the students on Himalayan terrain that will reach altitudes of over 3,000 meters and cover some of the most breath taking mountain scenery around the Annapurna area of Nepal.

The students have planned their route as part of the preparation and training for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, utilising established local mountain trails.

Local Sherpas will provide guidance along the route in conjunction with staff from the Walking and Climbing Company. Accommodation on route will be a mix of camping and lodges.

The initial training for this trek has taken place in the Brecon Beacons. Lesley Rickman, Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinator said: “The students were outstanding and it was possibly the most successful event I have been involved with. They all worked hard, were keen to learn and worked well together at all times.

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“It was a real pleasure being with them and seeing them enthusiastically journey across the Brecon Beacons.”

In recent weeks altitude training has been a priority as the trek will take the students to heights of over 3000 meters.

Mrs Randall, Steyning Grammar School, Assistant Head and Director of the Sixth Form College said: “This expedition gives a new dimension to our Duke of Edinburgh provision at Gold Level. Currently we have a further 20 Y12 students in their first year of the Gold Programme in the College who have recently completed their initial expedition training in the Peak District.”

On their return Lauren, Shimal and Alethia will share their life changing experiences with fellow Sixth Form College students through photographic presentations.

These Steyning students will be joining students from Chailey School in East Sussex.

Report and picture contributed by Steyning Grammar School.

Related topics:Edinburgh