GLT schools triumph on Dartmoor
This past weekend saw the annual Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge unfold on the demanding and unforgiving terrain of Dartmoor: a truly formidable undertaking that tests the resilience and teamwork of young participants.
Among the 2,400 young people who took part were dedicated teams from Yate Academy, Blaise High School, Gloucester Academy, Five Acres High School, Henley Bank, and Holmleigh Park.
Ten Tors Challenge
The Ten Tors Challenge is renowned as a gruelling 2-day expedition requiring teams of six young individuals to navigate to ten specified Tors. Depending on their age, teams undertake distances of 35, 45, or a staggering 55 miles across Dartmoor's rugged landscape. This year, we proudly fielded 7 teams tackling the 35-mile route, 1 team conquering the 45-mile distance, and another ambitious team taking on the full 55-mile challenge!
The adventure began with a pre-dawn 4:30 am wake-up call on Saturday. Following a hearty breakfast and a meticulous final kit check, our students stood ready at the start line by 7:00 am, laden with all their essential kit, food, and camping equipment. The atmosphere was electric as General Sir Ronald Walker (Chief of the General Staff) offered an inspiring welcome speech, followed by a breathtaking display from the Red Devils parachute team, before the starting cannon fired and the teams set off on their expeditions.
Remarkably, the weather conditions this year were perfect – warm and dry, a welcome rarity on Dartmoor! To truly grasp the scale of their achievement, consider that our 45-mile team hiked an incredible 30 miles on Saturday alone, carrying fully packed rucksacks across challenging terrain in the uncharacteristic heat.
The navigation skills displayed by all our teams were impeccable, matched only by their exceptional teamwork and unwavering perseverance. Each and every team demonstrated remarkable cohesion and a relentless drive to push forward. This collective effort was evident in the earlier finish times recorded across the event compared to previous years.
A particularly heartwarming success story involves 6 of our students who, undeterred by not completing the challenge last year, returned this year with renewed determination. Not only did they successfully rejoin their teams, but they all triumphantly completed the arduous challenge!
Jubilee Challenge
The Jubilee Challenge saw four enthusiastic students from Blaise High School and two from Holmleigh Park tackle a demanding 7.8-mile route, taking in a couple of significant Tors along the way. From the moment they crossed the start line to their final steps through the finish arch, these students approached the challenge with incredible determination and, most importantly, beaming smiles.
Every single student who participated in both the Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge demonstrated incredible determination, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional teamwork. They have filled me and all the staff involved with immense pride and are a true credit to their respective schools.
Our students have once again proven that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to! Witnessing them cross the finish line was an emotional moment that would move anyone.
Finally, a huge thank you to all the dedicated staff who made this incredible experience possible. Their commitment, involving countless weekend training sessions and a monumental amount of behind-the-scenes administration, is truly above and beyond. The collaborative spirit and mutual support shown by the staff exemplify our school's values, and we celebrate their collective success.
Hannah Hatch, Outdoor Education Lead
