As the school year was ending, over 100 of our Year 10, 11, and 12 students stepped up to tackle the ultimate challenge of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: the Silver and Gold expeditions. Operating at a grand scale, these consecutive ventures served as a true test of endurance, teamwork, and sheer determination. From navigating demanding terrain to managing their own camp life, our students more than rose to the occasion, demonstrating outstanding resilience and camaraderie every step of the way.
Triumph in the Brecon Beacons: The Gold DofE Expedition
This year’s Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition was a major milestone, serving as a vital practice run for our Year 11s and the official qualifying venture for our Year 12 students. Over five demanding yet deeply rewarding days, a total of 59 eager students took on the beautiful, rugged terrain of the Brecon Beacons, with an impressive 55 successfully completing the entire journey
Battling the Elements
The expedition was as much a test of adaptability as it was of endurance, pushing students through hiking on some tough terrain. Scorching hot conditions demanded a quick change of plans. To keep everyone safe, instructors adjusted routes, assisted with carrying equipment, and implemented a strict schedule that required everyone to rise at dawn and set off by 6am.
By wrapping up their daily mileage by early afternoon, the groups successfully avoided the blistering hottest part of the day. Despite the inevitable blisters, aching limbs, and early alarms, team spirit remained remarkably high throughout the challenge.
Campfire Camaraderie
Evenings at the campsite provided a perfect blend of preparation and well-earned relaxation. After pitching their tents, groups huddled together to carefully plot the next day’s routes. Once the serious work was done, the camp came alive with community spirit. A major highlight of the trip was the legendary “not a pub” quiz hosted by the lead instructor, which brought much-needed laughter and connection to the weary hikers.
The Verdict: From start to finish, our Gold groups showed tremendous grit, good humour, and mutual support – all qualities that lie at the very heart of the DofE Award. Huge congratulations to everyone involved on this incredible achievement!
Meanwhile, our 75 Silver participants successfully conquered their three-day qualifying expedition in the Chiltern Hills this week. It was a flawless performance, with every single student completing the trek. Over the course of the expedition, the groups navigated open countryside, covering vast distances on foot each day.
More Than Just a Hike
Despite the physical demands of the trail, the evenings remained electric. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and energy, anchored once again by the now-legendary “not a pub” quiz, which offered some much-needed downtime after the day’s exertions.
As the sun dipped below the horizon on the final evening, casting a golden glow over the Chiltern landscape, it was clear that this trip represented something truly special. It was about more than just checking a box; it was a powerful, shared experience defined by resilience, enduring friendship, and genuine joy.
A True Reflection of Presdales Spirit
Across both the Silver and Gold expeditions, our students were nothing short of exceptional. Facing extreme terrain, unpredictable weather, and sheer physical exhaustion, they constantly lifted each other up, maintained their positivity, and displayed outstanding teamwork.
These journeys were far more than a simple test of endurance; they were a true testament to our students’ character. Whether navigating the challenges of the Brecon Beacons or trekking through the rolling Chilterns, every single participant demonstrated the very best of what it means to be part of the Presdales DofE community.
We are incredibly proud of every student who took part. They showed grit, warmth, and relentless resilience – well done to you all!
Our third and final visit this year to the Riverside Care Home took place on Thursday 2nd July – and it ended the year perfectly!
Our Year 12 students decided on the theme of Wimbledon for the summer term visit. It included tennis themed crosswords for the residents, as well as a tennis quiz which included questions from the 1960s and 1970s. The students had some lovely conversations with the residents about their experiences of tennis and sporting events, and spoke about the excitement surrounding the England match the evening before.
Some residents had their nails painted whilst Bea in Year 12 sang to them – this was very popular with the residents and staff who came from other areas of the care home to listen.
The afternoon was finished off with strawberries and cream and a discussion about who might Wimbledon this year!
This is our third year of visiting the Riverside Care Home and we look forward to organising our next visit in the Autumn Term.
On Monday 6th July, Year 12 had their final L4L Day for this academic year.The programme followed several areas of the government’s RSHE and PSHE programme which included:
The students took part in the sessions, asking questions and engaging with the speakers about the various areas that teenagers their age face.
We are grateful to the local services for offering these sessions for our young people.
Sixth Form Team
On Friday 3 July, a group of three Politics students, accompanied by Ms Durant, met with our local Member of Parliament, Josh Dean, at a coffee morning.
The topics raised focused on local issues faced by both residents and students daily, such as public transport fares, protection of small businesses, and safeguarding of students. As simple as they may seem, these considerations can and are often neglected by MPs’ roles in national politics, so seeing a community able to reach Josh Dean directly and, as Politics students, being able to question him on issues that needed more focus was a very valuable opportunity.
Although Josh Dean takes an interest in local matters, residents can be unaware that they are able to easily reach their MP. Critics have frequently noted in the past that MPs for the Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford constituency lacked visibility in local engagement, often due to a focus on Westminster duties, so having the opportunity to engage directly with a sitting MP and ask questions on issues requiring greater attention was particularly important.
We were also able to speak to a colleague of Josh Dean who helps in organising such events and had attended Presdales during their time from Year 7 to Year 11. They explained their duties and priorities in reaching more people and addressing concerns of the community, supported by a degree in Sociology. It was incredibly interesting to not only discuss political issues we’ve studied throughout our Year 12 course but to gain an insight into the decision-making process behind constituent MPs concerning their representation of constituents.
Ediz Koch
Year 12 Politics students were very fortunate to be visited by Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, a member of the House of Lords, on Friday 10th July. This opportunity came about through the Learn with the Lords initiative, to promote discussion around politics. Year 12 asked questions around Brexit, foreign policy, voting and the political system.
Lord Parkinson also delivered a presentation that explained what the House of Lords is, how it operates and also what the stages of a Bill are.
One of the questions Lord Parkinson asked of the students was; ‘Do you think 16 year olds should have the vote?’ The majority of students said they did not feel this should happen as many 16 year olds do not have the political understanding needed to make an informed vote.
‘Today, on the 10th of July, the Year 12 Politics class had the honour of being visited by Lord Parkinson. Lord Parkinson’s role in the governance of the UK has had multiple links to the A-level course, from his presence in Brexit and voting reformation campaigns to his role as a lobbyist and a special advisor to Theresa May. Students were able to question Lord Parkinson on not only topics that were relevant to the course but were able to effectively follow up and consistently ask questions that individually concerned them as future voters. At the end of the session, Lord Parkinson was able to ask questions to students concerning the rising issue of the voting age being reduced and took an active effort to understand the concerns of the policy.’ Ediz
We are grateful to Lord Parkinson for coming in to speak to the students, and we look forward to arranging similar events with students in the future.
Politics Department and the Sixth Form Team
In February 2026, our dear colleague and friend, Sam Rowe, lost her life to cancer. She was a fantastic teacher who worked tirelessly for her students at the Presdales School for almost 20 years. She was also a passionate and very accomplished runner.
In memory of Sam, 27 runners (Presdales staff, past and present, as well as Sam’s husband, sister, brother-in- law and nephew) will take part in the Ware 10 race, challenging themselves to run 10 km or 10 miles, in order to raise money for Isabel Hospice. The race will take place on Sunday, 5th July.
For many of us running 10 km or 10 miles will be quite challenging, so please consider donating to our fundraising page to support this amazing charity and allow them to continue their irreplaceable work. Any amount, big or small, will give us a much needed boost.
https://www.justgiving.com/team/presdales
See some of the staff running and volunteering at the event in the group photo as well as some of us in full training, especially Mrs Teal’s and Mrs Nicholls’ very cute dogs! We also include a link to the Ware10 in case you would like to come and encourage us on the day!
Huge thanks to Bradley Lucas from Seen Services for returning to inspire our Year 12 A-Level Business students last week!
Bradley didn’t sugarcoat the reality of entrepreneurship. He shared his journey of turning an initial £1,200 investment and 80-hour weeks into a thriving business.
Key Takeaways for our Future Leaders:
Our learners took full advantage of the Q&A, digging deep into the “risks vs. rewards” of being their own boss. The message was clear: Don’t limit yourself – anything is possible if you are willing to take the risk!
Latest News
Coming Up
Tuesday 6th
Year 11 L4L (am)
Thursday 8th
GCSE (Year 11) English Parent/Carer Information Evening, 6.30pm
Friday 9th
Flu Vaccinations (Years 7 to 11)
Year 12 & Year 13 English A Level Poetry workshop with Daljit Nagra, Ware (pm)
Contact Us
Presdales School
Hoe Lane
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9NX
Tel: 01920 462210
admin@presdales.herts.sch.uk
Headteacher:
Mr Warren
