QE Award Marks Another Successful Year for Outdoor Pursuits

For Year 7 and Year 8 pupils, the QE Award is one of the highlights of the year. QEH’s own outdoor challenge programme introduces pupils to camping, adventure, and teamwork, providing a stepping stone towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Year 9.

During Activities Week, this year’s QE Award took pupils to River Dart Country Park for two days of outdoor activities and an overnight camp. From high ropes and raft building to orienteering and zip wires, there was plenty to keep everyone busy. The programme provided pupils the opportunity to try new activities, spend time outdoors, and work together throughout the residential.

For many pupils, sleeping under canvas was a highlight in itself. Some were camping away from home for the first time, while others were adding another night outdoors to a growing list of adventures. Either way, camp life brought its own challenges and plenty of memorable moments.

The QE Award is designed to prepare pupils for the next stage of their outdoor journey at QEH. While Years 7 and 8 were enjoying their residential, Year 9 pupils were completing the expedition section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. After months of preparation, they navigated independently, carried everything they needed, cooked for themselves, and spent the night camping before completing their expedition.

Looking beyond Activities Week, the QE Award was part of another landmark year for Outdoor Pursuits at QEH. Across the academic year, more than 350 pupils spent at least one night under canvas through the QE Award, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Ten Tors, and many more outdoor experiences. It is a reflection of how popular the programme has become and of the enthusiasm pupils have for getting outdoors, taking on new challenges, and making the most of opportunities beyond the classroom!