Ten Tors 2025 latest!
Over the past few weeks of cold, wet and windy conditions, our hardy Ten Tors trainees have been braving the elements to continue in their preparations for the annual Ten Tors Event in May.
Over the weekend of the 11th and 12th January, around 30 students attempted the brutal Imber Range Perimeter Path - a 2-day, 30-mile circuit of the west part of Salisbury Plain (Upton Scudamore, Westbury, Gore Cross, Tilshead, Chitterne, Warminster). Snow and frost littered the ground and keeping their footing was a major challenge for the students. However, the clear signposts and lack of rain meant that students only fell victim to blisters, a fractured foot, and the sheer physical strain of carrying an 18kg rucksack for hours upon end. As usual, we camped in a sheltered paddock at Chitterne, and those strong and fit enough to continue eating a hearty breakfast and then finished the walk back to Upton Scudamore. A huge well done to the 19 students who completed the hike with their full packs and also those who battled on with injuries for many miles.
Last weekend we had our first weekend on Dartmoor - due to the weather forecast for Sunday the decision was made to shorten this to only camping, Friday night and hiking on Saturday. As she can be, Dartmoor was stunning, a radiant glow of yellow grass, blue skies and glistening ice and, despite very challenging windy and cold conditions on Friday evening which caused numerous issues with tents being put up, the students managed to finish routes of around 15 miles and some navigation training was also undertaken. Due to half-term and my upcoming school trip to Berlin, the students now have a nice few weeks of rest!
As always, huge thanks to everyone who helps make this possible - Mrs Brooks, Mountain Leader Iain Richards, Lady Sarah Gooch, volunteer Imogen Wood and also Elliot Ward for his invaluable assistance.
Please click here for photos.
On Tuesday 21st January, 13 of our Year 12 Sports Leaders ran the annual Schools' Games New Age Kurling competition in our Sports Hall. The Year 12s did a phenomenal job, supporting both the SEND students competing, and the leaders from Fairfield College. 
From Monday 3rd February to Sunday 9th it is Children’s mental health week. The theme that has been chosen this year is ‘know yourself, grow yourself'. During this week, in assembly, tutor times and PSHE lessons, we will be focusing on the concepts of self-awareness and emotional self-regulation. We will be asking students to reflect on how they see themselves now and, in the future, and all the strengths they have. We will also be considering the idea of ‘taking 10 seconds’ and the potential benefits of consciously allowing ourselves time to think about things before reacting. 
