A Bristol school is taking an entire year group for wild camping and trekking in one of Britain’s most isolated spots to help them recover from disruption to their education and prepare for their examination years.
Bedminster Down School has re-launched ‘Challenge 24’ this winter to help 200 students in Year 9 (aged 13 and 14) build resilience and confidence as well as their physical, intellectual, spiritual, social and moral development. Leaving on a Thursday morning and returning Friday afternoon, pupils develop and test their camp craft, problem solving, communication skills and team-work.
The opportunity is offered at no cost to families with the school providing tents, boots, rucksacks, sleeping bags, waterproof clothing and even food.
In former years pupils on the challenge have met additional challenges such as preventing wildfires spreading, snow and ice, and dealing with hungry foxes.
Teacher Steve Priday is a trained mountain leader and has organised all of the expeditions. He commented, “I have been genuinely surprised by how well pupils have adapted to the environment, despite many of them having no camping or hiking experience.
“Challenge 24 has a different impact on each individual presenting each with different trials. For some it is the physical nature of the hike of five miles, for others it is the weight of the pack, being away from home, the remoteness of the campsite or missing access to the internet and social media.
“Our pupils have all experienced challenges during their 24 hours on Dartmoor but have used their resilience to overcome them. In doing so they have developed their leadership qualities, improved communication and social skills, and encountered real problems to solve all while enjoying the ecology, archaeology and natural beauty of 368 square miles of open moorland.”
Principal Matthew Woodville added, “Our students deserve the opportunity both to recover from a disrupted education and prepare their resilience levels as they enter their exam years. Challenge 24 is our way of restoring some normality to the school year alongside the resumption of sporting fixtures and arts events.”
Student Luis Palmer, aged 14, thought it would be fun to go when his tutor suggested it. He has mild cerebral palsy and his classmates supported him by carrying his bag. “We were well-equipped but I was really surprised by how cold it could get. I was tired-out when we got back but I’m really pleased I had the chance and would definitely recommend it.”