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Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE)

Pendarren House is a DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP). The Centre is ideally situated on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Bannau Brychieniog, Brecon Beacons National Park. Our staff are Accredited Assessors and we are well resourced to equip walking and canoeing expeditions. We also and have a small campsite suitable for DofE expeditions.

Courses offered

We offer stand alone courses or we can offer packages that covers training, practice and assessment:

  • Gold Residential
  • Bronze Expedition
  • Silver Expedition
  • Gold Expedition

Please contact Pendarren to discuss your requirements.

Residentials

To complete the residential section of your Gold Award you must attend a five day residential;

  • learn new skills
  • share experiences with people you have not met before
  • based at a place unfamiliar to you.

This activity course requires no previous skills

  • This five-day, four-night programme offers you a range of opportunities. These are outdoor activities. These include gorge walking; caving; climbing; canoeing/kayaking; hill walking; orienteering and many more.
  • You will get involved in the domestic routine of the centre and you can enjoy meeting like-minded young people.  Between you and our qualified, experienced and enthusiastic team of staff it will be a week to remember.
  • Situated on the side of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Bannau Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons National Park. We are only 6 miles from the nearest bus and train station.
  • Includes accommodation, food, instruction, specialist equipment and transport once you are at the Centre.
  • Pick-up/drop-off at Abergavenny train station is available.

Frequently asked questions about residentials

Expeditions

Our expeditions can be by foot or canoe take place the South Wales area. Other forms of expedition and other areas are possible but may incur extra charges.

If you have a group looking for an expedition. We often have availability during the school holidays.

Pendarren is able to equip your students with group and some personal equipment.

See the criteria set out by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

We use different locations for practice and qualifying expeditions. This means you can complete the whole expedition section of the award with us.

Included in the course fee:

  • Pre-expedition information including kit list
  • Pick up/drop off at Abergavenny train and bus stations
  • Accommodation and camp fees
  • Food (whilst at Pendarren House, excludes expedition food)
  • Minibus transport whilst on the course
  • Training and supervision by qualified, experienced instructors
  • Campsite booking and fees
  • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme accredited assessors (for assessments)

 Frequently asked questions about expeditions

The expedition preparation guide contains all of the information you will need for your practice expedition, including a kit list and advice on what food you need to bring. Please use the check list to make sure that you come with everything you need, but note that we do supply some group kit.

HOW TO APPLY for Courses

Please read the following documents before completing the application form:

This should be sent to us at the address below; with a deposit or payment in full.

Pendarren House OEC
Llangenny
Crickhowell
Powys
NP8 1HE

office@pendarren.org

I am doing A level Geography and the activities we did were all relevant to the topics I am studying, like the river study which linked to the hydrological cycle. I also liked the fact that it helped me train my leadership skills. During caving I helped others through some tight spots and the feeling of achievement after they had all got through safely was very rewarding
- Nikolaj