A unique collaboration

We are incredibly proud to have worked with Scarborough Sixth Form College for almost a decade, helping them to deliver outstanding DofE experiences for their students and supporting the logistics and their staff to ensure expeditions run like clockwork and leave lasting impact. Read on to find out how we have achieved that.

>> Goal

Back in 2017, Scarborough Sixth Form College approached us with a request to utilise our experienced leaders to head up their DofE expeditions. With in-depth focus and investment in the DofE programme within the school already, the students benefitted from the dedicated teachers and time given to enable them to make the most of their DofE experience. With The Adventure Element on board, a unique partnership was built whereby the school would carry out their practice expeditions in Yorkshire, prepare the students with kit and knowledge, and we would come in to manage the Qualifying expeditions and logistics.  

The school typically have impressively large cohorts for their DofE Gold Award programme year after year. No doubt thanks to the dedicated teachers, particularly Mr James Drury, who have invested much of their volunteered time and effort into ensuring the programme was a great success and popular with students each year.  

From The Adventure Element, Scarborough College were after holistic support that aligned with their in-house DofE delivery, and we have happily been delivering this for almost a decade.  

>> Experience

With students at Scarborough College truly enthusiastic and wanting to be on expedition, it was an absolute pleasure to have them along. The ethos and passion from the teachers also provided further gratification.  

Just this year we welcomed 7 teams to the Lake District for their Qualifying expedition. In order for students to have their own individual experience, we work in rotations at 4 different campsites so that teams are only ever on their own or with just 1 other team. We have engineered the logistics for this, amongst other elements of the expedition to make sure we are giving students as much independence and opportunity to excel as possible.  

We supplied qualified and experienced staff for their programme who were able to build upon the school's training of their participants and provide assessment of the section. In addition, we provided support with team route planning prior to the expedition. This allows the teams to plan their own routes, and we check them against known difficulties in the area, providing feedback and suggested alternatives where appropriate.

>> Impact

Scarborough College participants consistently display resilience, dedication and determination on their expedition. The model provides them with realistic expectations and suitable preparation beforehand and a supportive and fair assessment process.  

The Scarborough staff, particularly James, dedicate an admirable amount of time and effort into the sessions, kit prep and everything behind the scenes to make it happen, and the result is something special! It means when students reach us for their Qualifier, they are ready, confident and settled. The students gel well with our staff and feel supported as they progress through their expedition and showcase their skills.  

The students who come along are incredibly excited and are invested in the expedition, even when challenged by the programme. At the end of every expedition, students finish at the pub where they have the chance to order chips at the bar and celebrate with their fellow students and other teams. The atmosphere is palpable and a wonderful thing to witness.  

>> Feedback

James Drury, teacher at Scarborough Sixth Form College, had to say, "The Adventure Element have provided inspiring and professional mountain leaders to aid our young people on their Gold DofE expedition. The team have been fantastic in supporting and communicating with us in addition to providing ideas to enhance our programme".