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Expeditions

Aiglon expeditions are the comprehensive outdoor adventure education programme in which all students participate regularly throughout their time at the junior and senior school. 

 

Students spending time in the local mountain environment is central to Aiglon’s ethos and has been a feature of the school since its founding. Yes, it is about mastering incredible skills - whether it is mountaineering, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, ski touring or rock climbing. But the spirit of the Aiglon expedition? It is genuine outdoor education through real-life experience.

Outdoor Adventure

Progressive Programme

Required Expedition

Year Group Expedition

Long Expedition

House Spirit Days

Adventure Sports Expeditions

Independent Expedition

sKYLINE EXPEDITIONS

Skyline Expeditions represent Aiglon’s most challenging mountain experiences. The mountain peaks included in skyline expeditions represent an aspirational, progressive challenge that students can work towards throughout their time at school.

They are divided into three types of expedition: Skyline Summit Expedition, Skyline High Expedition, Technical Skyline High Expedition. Completing the required number of Skyline Expeditions results in achieving an Aiglon Skyline Award.

Developmental Experiences

Expeditions provide developmental experiences which prepare students to excel in future life through an adventurous curriculum which is challenging, yet fun, offering life-long skills while fostering an appreciation of the natural world and showcasing the school’s local environment. The expeditions programme is progressive, structured and builds on previous experiences. It allows students to expand and incrementally develop important outdoor and life skills. 

AWARDs

Each year individual students are presented with personal awards for outstanding achievement in expeditions. From Progression & Technical Awards, Commitment Awards, Aiglon Skyline Awards and Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DoE) there is an award for all age groups and level of accomplishments. 

DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S INTERNATIONAL AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Award) is a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world. In more than 120 countries, the globally recognised accreditation is available to all 14 to 24-year-olds, inclusive of all backgrounds, locations, cultures and abilities. Through the programme, each young person becomes part of something special while developing their individual interests, universal skills and life ambitions. 

The award has three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level requires students to engage regularly and show commitment and progress in four elements: service, sport, skill and adventurous journey.

By the Numbers

3

Average number of expedition experiences per term

300

Commitment Awards last year for expedition achievement

200

Average number of students on expedition each weekend

3,396

Our highest peak (Pigne de la Lé) climbed (in metres) as part of the High Expedition programme

jUNIOR SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS

From the Aiglon Mountain School (Years 2-6) to weekend Art Classroom expeditions, and climbing summits there are progression opportunities for all ages. 

These trips, scrupulously overseen by experienced and highly trained staff and experts, are both fun and challenging. They may involve the acquisition of new skills or trying out exciting activities like camping, orienteering, kayaking, rock climbing or mountain biking, amongst others.