DofE February to March half term

ALL DofE groups must finish planning their summer expeditions. Final deadline for submission of all finished and printed routes is Friday March 23.

3^rd Year: Training starts every THURSDAY lunchtime this term. Listen for notices on venues.

4^th Year: Silver enrolment day on Sunday 4 March 10am – 2.00pm RGS

4^th Year Silver expedition planning: Tuesdays 4-5.30pm throughout February and March Room 19.

5^th Year: Silver qualifying expedition planning every Tuesday lunchtime 1.10-2.00pm Room 19.

L6 Year: Gold qualifying expedition planning starts January every Friday lunchtime 1.10-2.00pm Room 19.

Conservation Day December 2011

Redhill Common: north slope at the pond site. 30 students cleared scrub and trees from the north side of the pond. A significant area was cleared and they all worked hard and with enthusiasm. Small branches were burned and log piled up for collection. This task follows on from previous visits to open out this area and reinstate a grassland surrounding the pond which itself is planned for restoration in the future. Clearance of trees and scrub might at first appear destructive but it increases habitat diversity for various plants and animals along the forest edges created. Edge habitats are often more productive and the grassland will encourage new birds, insects and small mammmals, as well as bats. The glade will also provide a more attractive environment for people walking through the woods.

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GOLD training expedition South Wales october 2011

Location South Wales, Dan Yr Ogof camp. Weather: mixed sunshine and some hail showers, nice rainbows, then rain and low cloud. On day one 7 groups undertook more than 8 hours of navigation and safety training around the limestone scenery below the ridge of Fan Hir on the Black Mountain. Spot the shake holes! Then their 2 day independent trek took them over the main 600 metre+ ridge and then down to Cross Inn. Final day saw a climb up "the nose" and thence along a valley bench in cloud: tricky navigation at times. All groups performed really well and staff were impressed with the spirited and cheerful team work that held up despite some miserable weather: we were pleased to see happy faces emerging on the bus home. Well done folks! I'll confirm qualifying expedition dates 2012 v soon but I am hoping to offer Easter AND August (clash with biology ft), but that'll be all for 2012: details next half term.

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Staff training trip

via youtube.com

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October half term saw Mr Collins and Mr Hadley doing a Mountain Rescue Emergency First Aid (REC) course with Snowdonia First Aid from Llanberis Mountain rescue team. The course was extremely useful but we hope never to have to put any of our new skills into action.

Staff training takes place regularly and includes professional development in navigation and first aid.

GOLD pre-hike safety briefing

Gold training expeditions include instruction in the following:

navigation: compass and 1:25,000 maps
emergency procedures & getting help
correct equipment
camp safety

Instruction on the pre-hike briefing will be issued the evening before the first training day.

Click here to download:

GOLD_Pre-hike_briefing.pdf (275 KB)

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Bronze qualifying expeditions October 2011

100 students completed their qualifying canoe and backpack expeditions 7-8 October. Canoe groups completed their adventure down the Medway canoe trail. Backpacking groups walked around the North Downs area near Reigate. We were especially impressed with the positive spirit and cheerful manner of many groups. Despite some navigation errors and a few groups being caught in the dark, the quality of overall planning was good and campcraft encouraging (sites were left with no trace of our visit: that's the aim!). Well done and thanks to all the staff who made this big trip possible.

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It's not summer any more!?

The recent heatwave is fading: expect a return to normal unsettled autumnal weather.

What ever expedition you are doing this October you need to be prepared for everything:

Basics:

Don't forget the Big 5!
Remember route cards & maps ALL in waterproof map cases.
Check your tents: check them by putting them up BEFORE the hike
Food: organise who is taking what food
Clothing: waterproof jacket and trousers: is yours good enough? Bring enough warm clothes and one spare set of dry.
Boots: adequate footwear is essential. Avoid blisters at all costs.
Reflective gear: in case you get caught out in the dark!
Consult the kit list and chapter on equipment in the RGS expedition manual (also available on this site: Expedition Training page)

Check the training pages and videos on this blog for more advice.

You need to hope for the best weather (i.e. sunny, calm beautiful autumn sunshine, with cool evenings) but be absolutely prepared for the WORST (i.e. howling gales, lashing rain, cold during the day and stormy at night ... i.e. really nasty!)

For Gold groups: it is common for conditions to deteriorate up high this time of year, so do prepare warm clothing for cold / wet conditions in the mountains.

It's often like this ... a typical wet autumn morning taking tents down ... don't be surprised by weather like this at this time of year... get prepared.

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Gold qualifying expedition July 10-14 2011

Mid-Wales: Plynlimon mountain, near Llanidloes: sunny, sunny, hot! Excellent weather throughout, amazing unbroken sunshine ... groups needed regular water top ups.

4 groups trekked over Plynlimon mountain area: all students were spirited & enthusiastic despite the occasionally uncomfortable arid conditions and painful feet.

They camped in various secret wild camp locations and left absolutely no trace of their visit: top quality wild country travel.

You were a superb bunch to take on this trip, we think you learnt a lot on the way and all the staff thoroughly enjoyed taking you on this expedition ...

DofE Gold at its best!

Happy Holidays!

Mr C

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July Conservation Day

Nutfield Marshes: 30 pupils were praised for their excellent conservation work on clearing a channel of choking typha reeds. They formed a big team and worked hard together both in the stream and on dry land clearing willow coppice. They were a superb bunch and were highly regarded as one of the best RGS conservation teams that Reigate Area Conservation Volunteers has seen. Very well done folks!

If you want to do MORE conservation in your own time ... contact Mr Collins for RACV details: YOU can save the World, starting in your own back yard!

Next RGS conservation day: December 13

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Silver expedition June 26-28

The biggest Silver hike EVER! Over 100 students and staff were involved in this 3 day expedition across the Surrey Hills. Groups coped well in the hot & humid conditions; the best prepared brought a sun hat, sun cream and plenty of water. Navigation was OK: mistakes are expected and groups generally recovered their routes quickly. The Surrey Hills area is tricky to navigate so it's quite a test and you all did well!

Note: some hikers suffered unbelievably bad blisters which can be down to bad luck but please everyone do your best to check your boots fit properly, wear good quality walking socks (thin inner, thick outer) and try to keep your feet dry & cool and boots free from grit: not always easy! "Treat your feet" and stop as soon as any hot spots appear.