Foundation Magazine 2021-2022 | Mount Kelly

ADVENTURE
EXMOOR CHALLENGE
SHACKLETON
ADVENTURE
Congratulations to the three Mount Kelly teams of Year
8 pupils who completed the 16-mile Exmoor Challenge
on Saturday 30 April 2022. They all did exceptionally
well, coming in 6th, 9th and 10th in their categories out of 136
teams!
Mount Kelly has entered teams into the Exmoor Challenge for a
number of years now. The twelve pupils spent three weekends
in March training in navigation, team work and walking
progressively greater distances in preparation for the event.
The Challenge not only tests an individual’s ability to walk the
distance but also their navigation skills and the ability to observe
features on the ground and map in the form of a quiz which is
completed during the walk. The event has been cancelled for
the last two years due to Covid-19, so it was wonderful to see
everyone meeting up at Dulverton once again.
All teams follow the same route setting off at timed intervals.
At each checkpoint, teams must clock in to record their time.
The aim is not to be the first to finish but to complete each leg
within a time window; too fast or too slow leads to deducted
points. This, along with the quiz result, gives an overall score
from which a ranking is created. Mount Kelly’s teams navigated
the route without fault and displayed some excellent team work
to bring everyone across the finish line despite some sore feet
and fatigue.
The Shackleton Programme is
designed to develop and celebrate
leadership, practical skills and
teamwork whilst encouraging a love of
and respect for the outdoors.
In October Shackleton club learnt about
fire lighting and camp safety.
On Friday 6 May, Year 6 pupils embarked
on an overnight stay at Nun’s Cross Farm,
where they enjoyed time on the moor
followed by a day of kayaking, canoeing
and raft building on Saturday.
On Saturday, it was the turn of forms
7ARL and 7PAC. They enjoyed an evening
of games, followed by a group climbing
session and guided walk between Nun’s
Cross and Sheepstor on Sunday.
Exmoor Challenge
Year 5 pupils had a fabulous experience
on their Shackleton trip. Accompanied by
Mrs Twyman and Mr Floyd, the children
spent a jolly evening out at Nun’s Cross,
blessed with lovely weather - albeit
with chilly wind! The following day was
spent at Simply Outdoors, where the
children were split into four groups and
challenged with the High Ropes, Trapeze,
Archery and some team-work, problemsolving
activities. All in all, everyone had
a brilliant time, with pupils pushed out of
their comfort zones whilst learning some
important life skills.
Eva Barrett Ciara Jordan Saul Caldwell
Imogen Miller Maya Johnson Max Rainsbury
James Hambly William Thomas Finn Adams
Cameron Gee Oliver Beckly Henry Hardick
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