DofE at Bangor Academy

21/09/2026

Introduction to Gold Expeditions Trip

At the weekend a new cohort of year 13 pupils got the opportunity to experience a Gold Duke of Ed. expedition. It was a great opportunity for anyone hoping to take on the challenge of the Gold award to trudge through the Mournes, refresh their navigation skills and camp. Well done everyone!

DofE Northern Ireland
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College

01/09/2026

30/06/2026

Bronze Assessment 2
Four more excellent groups of year 10 bronze participants navigated their way round the Mourne mountains, in some unpleasant weather at times. But it was not enough to dampen the spirits for all involved. Excellent work everyone, we are looking forward to see many of you doing Silver next year!
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College
DofE Northern Ireland

25/06/2026

Gold 2026
Expedition complete.
Congratulations to the three teams from gold 2026. Definitely one of best groups of young people we have seen at Gold. All of the staff are very proud of each and every one of you.

24/06/2026

Gold 2026
Day 3

Day 3 of Gold & still going strong. After a good night’s sleep at Buttermere the groups were ready for an early start before the sun reached its peak. The orange boys had a great day clambering up Haystacks whilst the pinks & greens had a challenging uphill start easing into camp at a reasonable time. Everyone is doing well, enjoying the stunning surroundings and excited to reach the finish tomorrow!

23/06/2026

Gold 2026
Day 2
We all started with a fabulous sense of optimism today. The sun was shining, some slept “better than they ever had on DofE” and some of us had a shiny new pair of boots to show off.
The heat kept us humble and safe routes were chosen. Hydration, sun cream, hats and cooling dips were the key priorities fully embraced by all groups. The staff were genuinely proud of the positivity shown and the teamwork that meant everyone completed their second 8 hour-day with smiles on their little red faces! Can’t wait for tomorrow.
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College
DofE Northern Ireland

22/06/2026

Gold 2026
Day 1 ✅
After an early start this morning all groups are safely in camp. Today was a gruelling day taking in two or three challenging classic Lakeland peaks. Everyone took it in their stride, sticking to their route card times. No mean feat in these temperatures. Our only minor casualty was a size 5 1/2 left boot. Roll on day 2.
DofE Northern Ireland
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College

22/06/2026

Gold expedition 2026
And they are off

21/06/2026

Gold 2026
Travelling day complete! We have arrived in the Lake District. Sun is shining,everyone is raring to get started tomorrow.

19/06/2026

Bronze Assessment 1 1/2

Unable to complete their assessment as planned in the previous week due to clashes with two of the many school trips happening Bangor Academy we were forced to add an extra date just for them. Another successful expedition from another excellent group of young people.
Well done everyone!