A team of enthusiastic students from DLD College London recently embarked on a transformative journey across Morocco, blending adventure, cultural immersion and community service as part of the DLD World Challenge.

The group arrived ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of their expedition, including a vibrant exploration of Marrakech, a community project and a demanding trek through the Atlas Mountains.

For the first phase of their World Challenge, a community project that saw the students working closely with a local school to make a meaningful impact, the group split into teams. Working to improve the Taroudant-based school, their tasks included clearing rocks and rubbish from the school’s sports field, repairing desks for the classrooms, and cleaning out the games hall and changing rooms.

As the students settled into their work, they were welcomed with open arms by the school staff, who treated them to traditional mint tea and a hearty meal of bread, pastries and a delicious Moroccan kebab with rice and vegetable stew.

Following their community endeavours, the adventure kicked into a higher gear as the students began their trek through the Atlas Mountains. With their trusty mule, Margaret, leading the way and local guide Fouad, by their side, the group set off on a 17-kilometre hike through rocky terrain, climbing steadily and taking in breathtaking views.

James Kidd, Principal at DLD College London commented: “The recent trip to Morocco was a huge success and we are proud of our students for their eagerness to embrace the challenges and support the local school. The journey was not just about pushing physical limits on the trail, it was about embracing new cultures, forging friendships and making a lasting impact on the communities they visited.”

Reflecting on the trip, one student commented: “Morocco overall was an insane and unreal experience, I made great friends with everyone and enjoyed scenes of the Atlas Mountains, playing cards in the campsite and renovating the schools for the kids.”

Next academic year, DLD College London is offering a group of students the chance to join a trip to Botswana, to support wildlife conservation.

A school of diverse thinking and influences, housed in a futuristic building with cutting-edge facilities opposite the Houses of Parliament, London is DLD’s classroom. Students aged 13 to 19 are offered the opportunity to study a wide range of GCSEs, A-Levels, BTEC courses and International Foundation Programmes (IFP). It also offers an Academic Preparation Programme (APC). In addition to several significant national award wins, DLD College London is also proud to be named by Tatler magazine, Good Schools Guide and Talk Education as one of the top schools in the UK.

DLD College London provides a ‘gold standard’ of educational quality. It is a school where students are respected, supported and honoured as individuals. Where they are immersed in the best possible environment to grow as successful and independent learners; where their vision can be made a reality, and where as happy and healthy people they feel free to make a contribution to the world around them, both now and into the future. The school’s beating heart is its award-winning wellbeing centre.