DofE Walking Expedition for Schools

We will design a DofE programme of training and walking expeditions especially for your school.

We aim to make your life easier as a school DofE co-ordinator. Just tell us what you need, the numbers in your group and if you have any preference on the area or activities your group would like to undertake. Then leave the rest to us.

  • BRONZE WALK – 5 Days
  • 1 day pre-expedition training
  • 2 day training expedition
  • 2 day qualifying expedition
  • £275 pp
  • SILVER WALK – 7 Days
  • 1 day pre-expedition training
  • 3 day training & practice expedition
  • 3 day qualifying expedition
  • £385 pp
  • GOLD WALK – 10 Days
  • 1 day pre-expedition training
  • 4 day training & practice expedition
  • 5 day qualifying expedition
  • £550 pp

Cost

Our simple pricing policy makes it easy for you to manage your costs. For walking programmes, we charge £55 per participant, per day of training or expedition (minimum 10 participants).

Design your Programme

These are examples of the  minimum programmes that we can offer, however we will work with you to design a programme that meets the needs of your group. This can include extra training or practice expeditions for groups with limited experience.

DofE Awards

We offer Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards in Walking.

Find out more about the DofE Awards

What we include

DofE Expedition presentation at your school to introduce the expedition section. We recommend inviting parents to this presentation, giving them an opportunity to meet us and ask initial questions. Simply let us know your preferred date.

A full time expedition programme manager. Based at A to Z Expeditions HQ, they will provide you with continuing support throughout your expedition programme. Your questions answered quickly!

Comprehensive pre-expedition paperwork pack for participants and parents, including consent forms, kit lists etc.

Assistance with expedition paperwork. We will complete operating authority notifications, green forms and risk assessments.

High quality training, delivered at your school – we employ experienced instructors, the majority of whom hold a minimum of a summer mountain leader qualification. They all hold the relevant first aid qualifications and are DBS checked. All instructors are vetted and trained by us before working on expeditions.

Parents Q&A at the end of training – let us answer their questions for you.

Training materials and helpful handouts for participants.

Group kit for expeditions – tents, stoves (with gas), group first aid kits, group shelters and maps.

All supervision and developmental training throughout the programme (during the day and overnight). Our goal is to help young people develop their personal and practical skills as much as possible during their time with us, both as individuals and as part of their team. Our expeditions are about much more than ticking a box.

Accredited assessors for the qualifying expedition.

Trackers – issued to every team. An A to Z Head Office Member will be able to locate teams quickly should they have a problem or take a wrong turn. This will not effect how our instructors supervise groups.

1 free pupil premium place for every 20 paying participants.

Campsite fees for participants.

Group Kit

We provide the following essential group kit free of charge:

Tents

Stoves, pans and fuel

Group shelters

Group first aid kits

Maps

Bronze

A challenging experience, even on your doorstep!
Just venturing a small distance out of urban areas can bring you to challenging and diverse terrain. Rural UK is home to a vast network of footpaths and bridleways and we will train you on how to effectively navigate them.

If you want to venture a bit further, The New Forest offers great routes in beautiful countryside. Plentiful wildlife and varied terrain – thick forestry and open heathland. Located about 2 hours from central London, the New Forest takes the challenge up again. A great experience for groups who want to progress to challenging Silver and Gold expeditions.

Silver

Venture into remote, rugged landscapes
Hiking through the more challenging terrain offered by areas like the Long Mynd (in Shropshire), The Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales is a great way to tackle silver. These really test participants’ navigation demanding commitment, effective teamwork, strong interpersonal skills and increased group independence. Why not practice in the Long Mynd and qualify in the White Peak? Or, if you’d prefer to stay further south, what about the South Downs National Park for a practice and the Ridgeway for a qualifying? Whatever you choose, these areas are sure to please.

Gold

Explore awe-inspring locations in remote, wild country
DofE requires that all Gold expeditions take place in ‘wild country’, which is defined as areas remote from habitation. Our Gold expeditions are a real test of will and dedication giving participants a truly wild experience. Our highly skilled and friendly instructors have in depth knowledge of areas like the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, the Lake District in North West England as well as the Cairngorms and Highlands of Scotland. Why not practice in the Brecon Beacons and qualify in the Lakes? Or, if you prefer to stay North, how about a practice in the Lakes and a qualifying in the Cairngorms? Remember, this is your expedition and your choice.

Fantastic walking locations

Explore the great British countryside by foot, on one of our walking DofE expeditions. You wont be disappointed, so don’t forget your camera!

More school expeditions

Like what you have read so far?

If you have any questions or would like more information before booking, please get in touch.

Call: 01981 550 433
Email: info@azexpeditions.com

Or, you can Book your School Expedition by completing our simple booking form. You will not be required to pay anything at this initial stage, and a member of our team will contact you shortly.