35 students from Dover Court International School participated in the Duke of Edinburgh International Silver Award during their recent expedition to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. This unforgettable seven-day adventure involved paddling an impressive 143 kilometres along the famous River Kwai.
Throughout their journey, our students explored nature in a beautiful setting of forests, cliffs, and calm waters. They enjoyed a full wilderness experience, mastering essential skills such as wild camping, meal planning, and river navigation. Working in groups of seven, the students paddled hard each day, applying their knowledge of water hydrology and safety. Every evening, they cooked healthy meals on camping stoves, watched the sunset, and settled down under the stars to reflect on their achievements and the challenges that lay ahead.
A memorable moment was when the students showed great determination during a tough 44 km paddling day. Strong winds made it difficult for them to move forward, sometimes stopping them completely. But they didn’t give up and found the strength to keep paddling and reach the finish line. Along the way, they enjoyed the beautiful sight of hundreds of birds flying above the river.
The adventure continued on land with activities like making fires, singing at the campsite, and observing the vibrant plants and animals near the river. They spotted large huntsman spiders, scorpions, toads, and many colourful insects, allowing them to get a close look at Thailand's diverse wildlife.
These experiences provided a wonderful opportunity to ignite students' curiosity and help them become more resilient and adaptable in new and challenging situations. They emerged from the experience as confident and strong explorers, having formed lasting friendships and gained important life skills that will benefit them in the future.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, resilience, and positive attitudes displayed by each participant during this journey. Their efforts exemplify the essence of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, demonstrating that courage and teamwork can transform even the greatest challenges into remarkable successes.
Our Year 7 students went on two amazing trips to Sibu Island, Malaysia, for their year group residential. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and immersed in a vibrant new culture, students had the chance to connect with their friends and make memories that will last forever.
