SPORT & OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Department/Faculty reviews

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

I am sure this is not the first or last time you will see Covid mentioned in this edition of the Shebbearian, so without wishing to sound like a stuck record: PE is delighted to be back to some form of normality. Online learning and Google meets cannot replace the fun and challenge that is always evident in a PE class; creating the opportunities to stretch both those that embrace PE and those that are less confident.

With Covid seemingly firmly behind us the PE programme has returned to something approaching normality. Our GCSE PE students have worked extremely hard to prepare for exams and Practical Performance moderation which this year has been videoed for online moderation. The group has performed over a wide range of sports and presented some superb performances, namely some of our footballers and Hockey players have excelled. Henry had a superb game against Clifton College while being filmed for moderation, earning and scoring a penalty in front of the camera and Aaron scored two goals while being filmed against Kingsley. Sophie-May was selected for Devon Hockey this year, and has used her County experience to support her coursework to great effect.

Despite Covid impacting the majority of exams, our BTEC sports students have still been completing exams, coursework and video evidence; with one exam being taken the day before a National Lockdown! The Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth group have worked exceptionally hard, despite the difficulties of participating in sport over the last two years. The Upper Sixth have completed their video moderation in which they have to officiate and participate in sports of their choice, including Rugby, Badminton, Cricket and Football (and many more).

The Lower Sixth BTEC students introduced a new initiative this year and to boost their experience of coaching and understanding sport have been helping coach sport to the younger year groups on games afternoons. We hope to progress this in the future with BTEC Sport students attaining accredited coaching qualifications to support their knowledge of the sports industry and the skills

associated. Our BTEC Sport programme is very much set up to give a snapshot of the sporting industry in which many pupils may wish to engage with in the future.

In core PE, in addition to our main termly sports of Rugby, Hockey, Football, Netball, Cricket and Tennis, this year we have focused on six additional sports, designed to give a flavour of GCSE PE potential sports choices: Badminton, Athletics, Handball, Basketball, Gymnastics and Volleyball. It has been encouraging to see pupils back participating in sport and developing their physical literacy skills that they have not been able to practice during the various lockdowns. PE, Sport and Outdoor Education provide a superb opportunity to develop moral and performance, character skills that are not so obviously achievable in regular academic environments (Table 1). Challenging pupils to push themselves outside of their comfort zone has been a refreshing reminder of why PE can be so important to their physical and mental wellbeing.

Moral Skills

Unselfish

Honest

Respectful

Appreciative

Humble

Patient

Loyal

Trustworthy

Trustwilling

Encouraging

Socially Aware

Empathetic Performance Skills

Hardworking

Competitive

Positive

Focused

Accountable

Courageous

Resilient

Confident

Enthusiastic

Disciplined

Motivated

Creative

Curious

Table 1-Character skills (Ledbetter. B, 2015)

Ad Gloriam Per Spinas (to glory through thorns) has never been more accurate than in sport at Shebbear over the last 2 years.

Our athlete’s resolve, determination and willingness to take on the bigger schools has been proved and tested on the start of our rocky road to success over the last year. The opportunity to challenge oneself, experience adversity and improve everyday is one of the things that enables Shebbear to produce such exceptional people, not shy of taking on challenges.

It has been a pleasure and relief to see Sport resume to something resembling normality after an erratic two years affected by Covid. Our small body of athletes have, on the whole, embraced the opportunity to take part in as much sport as possible. Our focus in sport has unashamedly not focused on results, but instead on long term athlete development and character development, process, performance and fun. This approach has seen students progress dramatically improve over the course of the year; with resilience, perseverance and teamwork driving individuals and teams across the school to develop with astounding progress evidenced.

Our focus on character-based development in sport has been appreciated, with over 90% of students taking part in competitive sport representing Shebbear over the year. Our first phase of sports has rolled out with impressive performances across our major sports of Rugby, Hockey, Football, Netball, Tennis, Athletics and Cricket. Our second phase of sports development has seen us compete in Swimming, Equestrian and Badminton this year with Basketball, Cross Country, Touch Rugby and hopefully many others to follow next year. A huge thank you to all the parents and staff that have made it possible for pupils to compete across multiple sports, having the chance to develop their character outside of the classroom. A special thank you to Mrs Sibcy and Mrs Tabor who initiated the schools membership in the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA), yet again providing further opportunities for pupils to compete and shine in areas of interest that are not necessarily in the classroom.

Athletics

The athletics programme restarted after Covid with a literal bang! A group of over 30 students competed in the North Devon Athletics League, North Devon Schools Championship, Devon County Championship, ISA Regional Championship, Mount Kelly Trophy and a West Buckland friendly event. The outstanding commitment from the pupils with many pupils taking part in more than 7 competitions whilst also participating in other sports has shown the pupils’ passion for sport and willingness to apply themselves in as much sport as possible.

Despite limited training our athletes performed exceptionally well, all improving significantly over the course of the season. Those that took part in the athletics games session often learning new skills and having the chance to display them in several competitions. Henry H in Form 3 seemed dominant in the jumps winning the ISA South West High jump, Triple jump and Long jump, then going on to be County Champion in High jump and Triple jump. Henry then went on to compete in the ISA Nationals in which he won the triple

jump and came third in the Long jump. Achilles in Lower 6th also had success winning the North Devon 100m, 200m and 400m; and came second in the County 100 and 200m. Both Henry and Achilles went on to compete at the South West Regional Championships where Achilles came 2nd in the Senior Boys 100m and 4th in the 200m and Henry came 2nd in the High Jump.

Connor and Alfie performed well at the North Devon Athletics Championships and went on to represent North Devon in the County Championships, a significant achievement.

As our athletics programme goes, so does our success in multiple events with students having opportunities throughout the Lent and Trinity terms to learn, develop and polish their skills, speed and fitness. I am sure the future is bright for many of our athletes.

Cricket

2021-22 saw a return to a semblance of normality for cricket here at Shebbear College. The First XI was captained by Bajan scholar Achillies, who demonstrated excellent leadership and temperament throughout the season. In addition to this the leadership group contained numerous seasoned Shebbearians, including Jacob and Ben who played important roles in nurturing a young and somewhat inexperienced group. Although results did not fall the way of Shebbear, performance levels and commitment in the middle were without question. Notable star performers at First XI level included the ever reliable Jolyon, whose bowling was a constant threat to the opposition, and newly developed all-rounder Toby, who made valuable contributions with both bat and ball. Shebbear’s U15 age group showed promise for the future throughout the season. Many members of the playing squad were playing up a year, yet still they were able to hold their own and produce some really positive performances - with some U14 age players even stepping in to support the First XI at times during the season. The all-round ability of both Alfie and Henry H means that the future of Shebbear cricket looks promising, particularly when added to the natural talent of Mitch, Geordie and Billy, amongst others.

This was a tough season for our junior cricketers in the U13 age group. The disruption of the past couple of years has meant that some crucial stages of development have been affected. The experiences of this season will hopefully stand the group in good stead and serve as a platform upon which to build in the coming seasons. With plenty of talent within the group, notably in the form of Will, Ben and Ed, learning the game will be important for the squad to see improved performance and results in the future.

Football

2021-22 was a really positive year at Shebbear for the footballers. At First XI level, it was clear that a strong squad was emerging from the early part of the season. There was a really good mix of experience and youth throughout the group, led by captain Alex, who was ably supported by fellow U6 Formers Jacob A, Connor and Jacob L. Add to this the Caribbean flair of Achillies and the talent of 5th Form players such as Henry, Ferdie, Cam and Peter, and the season held the potential of real promise. Things started in positive fashion, an extra time victory in a Society of Heads Cup clash with Clifton High

School saw Shebbear progress to the second round for the first time in memory. Add to this victories against Plymouth College, Stover School, Truro School and Kingsley School, as well as a narrow 2-1 defeat to Exeter School after conceding two late goals and this was a very successful season.

The junior age groups experienced mixed seasons this year. Our U15s possessed some real talent in the forms of James, Taylor and Jacob, but found results hard to come by. Our all-conquering U14 side fared well in their fixtures, with many games then becoming U15A and B games to combine the talents of both squads. The likes of Alfie, Keith and Billy showed no fear in stepping up A-Level and produced some outstanding performances and results, notably against Plymouth College.

The development squads of the U13s and U12s showed some real potential and achieved some good results in friendly fixtures against the likes of Kingsley and Stover Schools. Some talented footballers in the group hopefully bode well for the future of football at Shebbear College.

Hockey

Hockey has moved in a new direction this year with achievements and progress made by all the pupils.

The 1st XI, who competed on a very tough circuit, held their own this season and put in some excellent performances across the season. A proud moment personally being when the girls played away at Exeter School and scored just before half time to take us into the break at 1-1. It was amazing to see the pupils enjoying their time so much on the hockey pitch, wearing the school colours with pride and making memories they will cherish forever. It is great to have pupils representing on the England Hockey Player Pathway; huge congratulations to Sophie-May who has had a fabulous season with the Devon U17 Girls Academy Squad, and to George who has also played county hockey for the Cornwall U17’s Academy Squad. Thanks go to Bella who has been the Girls’ Hockey Captain this year. She has been absolutely fantastic and we wish her all the best as she now departs Shebbear and heads to University, make sure you keep playing!

The U15’s should be extremely proud of their season. The positive energy and enthusiasm from this group week in week out was admirable, this will certainly place the 22/23 1st XI in a good place as a number of these students transition from U15 to Senior Girls Hockey. A special mention goes to both Harriet and Eleanor who made a number of appearances for the schools 1st XI despite only being in Form 4. As players this has had a significant impact on their development and I am sure that those 2 will be an integral part of the 1st XI next season.

The U12/13’s have had a fabulous year and are the most improved age group over the course of the hockey season. The future is certainly looking bright for Hockey at Shebbear College.

“I have felt really proud to have been able to be hockey captain this year and I feel that as a team we have progressed in so many areas but in particular we had become a strong defence which allowed the attacking players to become bolder in their approach to the game. Despite facing the challenge of COVID-19, which affected our ability to practice together, by the end of the season we had become a confident and coherent team. Whilst we might not have won the most games, we were a team that developed in skills and laid foundations that will be built on for future hockey at Shebbear College. I look forward to following this progress in years to come and hope to take my enjoyment of Hockey to University.”

Bella Richards – Girls Hockey Captain 2021/22

This year, our first year in the Independent Schools Association (ISA; for smaller independent schools), has seen us compete in ISA Swimming, Rugby and Athletics; with a huge amount of success.

Even before the school had officially joined the ISA we had already taken part in our first South West Swimming qualifying event, with pupils performing admirably. Five pupils successfully qualified for the ISA National Swimming championships in London. Archie was part of the strong South West Medley relay team that won Bronze, a superb achievement.

In rugby our U14s 7s team qualified for the National finals held in London; we took a strong team thinking we had a good chance of doing well, but as a small school in Devon, we were unsure just how well we would do. The focus the team of 12 students brought to the tournament yielded some superb results with the team performing better and better in each game. The tournament finished with the team unbeaten, winning 6 games, scoring over 200 points and winning the final 42-5; and National ISA champions. Some incredible teamwork was evidenced throughout the tournament with every team member contributing to the superb performances. Stand out performances from Henry, Alfie, Keith and Mitch helped the team to success.

The ISA sporting year finished with Athletics, with 9 athletes being selected to represent the South West at the National Finals in Manchester (only 7 could attend). The awe-inspiring championship took place next to the Etihad stadium (Home of Manchester City FC) with a huge amount of success. Henry won the U14 boys Triple jump and came third in the long jump and Jack came third in the 300m. Harry just missed out on a medal coming fourth in the boys cricketball throw and Alfie C, Aflie S, Nicola and Sophia ran or threw superbly against very tough competition.

ISA National finalists:

Swimming: Jack, Alfie, Archie, Ellie, Evelyne.

Rugbys 7s: Zeb, Jack, Henry, Harrison, Henry, Mitch, Keith, Alfie, Jack, Billy, Jack, Geordie.

Athletics: Keith, Jack, Henry, Alfie, Nicola, Harry, Alfie, Sophia, Sophie-May.

Netball

The first full netball season since 2019 and it was certainly worth the wait!

The 1st VII came on leaps and bounds as a team, developing in skill, speed, accuracy, confidence and team cohesion throughout the

term. The difference made over the 11 weeks was outstanding and the team can definitely take this through to next year to continue to play an excellent standard of netball, if not better! They started the term with a few tough fixtures, but this didn’t once discourage them from playing and training again the next week. A superb amount of commitment was shown by every member of the team and this was later highlighted in some close encounters in fixtures later in the season.

A particular highlight this term was the progress made by the U13 team. In what started out as a rocky season having played very little netball since prep school due to Covid, they went on to win 3 of their 6 games and only narrowly missed out on a place in the final of the U13 North Devon tournament, finishing 4th overall. The team massively developed their confidence throughout the Lent term, not only in their own ability and skills, but also in each other which allowed them to progress as both players and a team.

The U12 teams made excellent progress in their first term of senior netball, developing a range of key skills ready to apply to competitive situations. For some girls this was the first time they had ever played netball, yet they showed great courage and determination in wanting to learn and develop. Much like the U13s, the two U12 teams showed superb teamwork and there was not a moment where they allowed anything to stop them from smiling! It’s exciting to think about what this group might achieve over the next few years!

All round it was a great term of netball with each and every player making progress and getting involved in netball in some way. Bring on next year!” Rugby returned with a busy pre season and block fixtures over the season against Plymouth, Truro School, Exeter, Queens Taunton, Wellington, Stover and Kingsley with COVID affecting our regular fixtures against Mount Kelly and West Buckland. In some year groups we had nearly every boy in the year taking part; creating a superb approach with all students willing each of their peers on and encouraging them to progress, an incredible Shebbearian trait.

The U12s used the season to learn a lot about the game and to be introduced to contact, players such as Alex and Archie gave their all every week, and the whole team can be commended for their outstanding attitude.

The U13s had a number of excellent performances as a team, they grew in confidence massively after a win against Bideford RFC early in the season. A particular highlight was against Truro where they were up at half time but could not quite hold on. It would be difficult to highlight anyone, but a special mention to Will P who made huge progress through the season and in his final game v Queens contributed to a great game where they lost 4 tries to 3, in an end to end game in which they ran out of time rather than lost!

Our U14s rugby team proved devastating in their games, wining the North Devon County Cup and going on to the semi-finals of the Devon County Cup. Playing Exeter, who had earlier in the season beaten them comfortably, the team took it to the last play of the game but were met by a resilient Exeter try-line defence and could not cross despite being camped on the line for three minutes. The group have learned that through hard work they can achieve progress and success, this is something that will serve them well going forward.

The U15s season was a little disjointed due to Covid and injury meaning a number of games were cancelled. Covid still played its part in the season and it is a credit to the school and the players for their resilience and commitment. The matches are put on for the players, and on behalf of all of them I would like to thank the parents for your continued support. I look forward to the 2022 season and all that it brings.

The 1st XV had a tough season with some outstanding and resilient performances. Some of the stand out memories, were not in the results of the team, but in their commitment and toughness. Despite eventually losing to Wellington School the team showed its grit in its resolute defence; often hitting the huge Wellington boys back, repeatedly, managing the nullify the size of the school and stature advantage Wellington have. Although eventually losing out, the Wellington team went home with a revised opinion of Shebbear, less swagger and a few more limps. Consistent outstanding performances from Jacob, Michael, Harrison and Connor, Ferdie, Ale and Ben ensured that the team were always threatening and keeping much bigger schools honest, and often a bit scared! There was significant individual success with Connor in Upper 6th being selected for the England Lambs, a National representative side consisting of the best players in the country - more on this overleaf.

AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME FOR CONNOR

In January, Upper Sixth Former Connor was chosen to play for the England Lambs U18 National Rugby Squad. Having taken part in a challenging selection process, Connor was selected from over 400 of the best players from independent schools across the country. We spoke to him about this incredible opportunity.

You were selected to play for the England Lambs this year - an amazing achievement. Talk us through how it happened.

Mr Giles put me forward for the first trial sessions for the South West, held at Monkton Combe school in Bath. This consisted of a day of training followed by three matches in which we competed for selection through to the second stage a few weeks later. Around 40 players made it through, and the second round was made up of more team based training exercises with a game at the end of the day.

Following the two day selection process, I had made it through to the South West Team and the next step was to compete against the teams from the two other areas (North and South East) at Oundle School, for a chance to make it through to the Lambs. We played two 40 minute games each (against the other areas) and a couple of days later I received an email saying I had been selected for the Lambs team! We also received the schedule for the season with different players being selected for the various games. I was selected for all 6 games this season.

Have you always been into rugby?

My father has always been big into his rugby, having played with premiership clubs and for the RAF. He always tried to encourage me to play but it wasn’t until I started boarding school at age 10 that I started. For the first few years I hated the sport! I was the bigger kid who struggled with running around and didn’t have much understanding of the game. By Year 9 I finally started to enjoy it. I had made lots of friends through playing, become fitter, educated myself and I began getting good at it.

Like anyone when they start something new, I wasn’t amazing nor even good. I was scared of the contact, I couldn’t catch, I couldn’t run far, I didn’t know the rules. With lots of help from friends and teachers I picked it up. Having the advantage of being a bigger kid, other children struggled to tackle me which made teachers put more time and patience into training me. I was selected for the Yorkshire Carnegie Academy to play a year up and this was the point when I realised that I was getting good at rugby. Following that early success, I began trying harder and really developed a passion for the sport. When I joined Shebbear in Form 4, I was able to take this even further.

Are you into other sports as well? If so, what?

I’m big into my basketball, athletics and now weight training (bodybuilding). I grew up watching and playing basketball games so that was the first sport that I fell in love with. Athletics was always linked with my rugby in order to develop fitness and speed. Bodybuilding is a relatively new sport which I began in the last year - it helps to improve my strength for rugby and I like seeing the difference both physically and also on the rugby pitch when playing.

Which subjects are you studying and how have you juggled your study with your sport?

I’ve been studying BTEC Media, BTEC Sport and A-Level Business. Being sporty I have the mindset that if you get the work done in the classroom you can get the work done on the field. Sport may be a big passion of mine but I need the academics to support this. Teachers may wish I put equally amount of work into my courses as I do sports, and I probably do work harder in sports but I still ensure that work is done and will allocate time in my day in order to fit both in.

What are your plans for next year?

Once I finish my A-Levels I will be off to join the army in which I will become a Vehicle Mechanic over a 60 week training phase. Whilst doing this I’ll still be playing rugby and hopefully I will be selected for the army Colts Team or the REME (The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) team.

Do you plan to continue with your rugby?

Yes, rugby has been a huge part of my life and I wish to further that into my next chapter. With joining the army there is so much opportunity in which I can play and further my skills.

How have you found your time at Shebbear?

I have truly enjoyed my time at Shebbear, making new friends, memories and learning new skills. I’ve had my share of mischief and fun whilst at Shebbear and look forward to moving on to the workplace.

What is your proudest moment?

My proudest moment would be playing for the 1st XV at Shebbear College when in Form 5 with my brother (who was in Upper Sixth at the time) and being able to compete against him for most tries. I lost, sadly.

What will you miss the most about Shebbear College when you leave?

The sports. I made it such a huge part of my experience and put so much time and love into helping other years improve. It is a real passion of mine.

The sun shone for our Senior Sports Day on Friday 13th May, when athletes from Form 1 through to Upper Sixth took part in track and field events, competing in their houses and as individuals. Pupils volunteered to take part in events including Javelin, Shotput, Discus, Long Jump, High Jump and various track races - with almost every pupil taking part in something.

This event was held earlier in the year than usual, so that our Form 5 and Upper 6 pupils could take part ahead of their GCSE and A-Level exams and it was fantastic to see both our top sportsmen and women, as well as those that don’t find athletics so easy, taking part with determination and enthusiasm - really well done to everyone. A special mention goes to Achilles in Lower 6 who ran the 100m in an incredibly speedy 11.06 seconds - very nearly beating his PB of 11.05!

Congratulations to Pollard House who won the cup! Thorne were in second place, Ruddle in third and Way in fourth.

Victor Ludorum - Forms 1 & 2: James

Victrix Ludorum - Forms 1 & 2: Sophia Victor Ludorum - Forms 3 & 4: Keith

Victrix Ludorum - Forms 3 & 4: Zaynah Victor Ludorum - Forms 5 & 6: Achilles

Victrix Ludorum - Forms 5 & 6: Sophie-May

1ST XI VS MARYLEBONE CRICKET CLUB

On Monday 27th June, Shebbear First XI, containing a number of our talented U14s, took on the prestigious MCC. Despite some untoward weather in the build up to the game, and a torrential downpour at 9am, the game managed to go ahead. On a damp and difficult wicket the MCC elected to bat first, with Achillies and Henry opening the bowling. The pitch made scoring runs difficult early on, but both opening bowlers put the ball in excellent areas consistently, and Henry was rewarded with 2 wickets after two smart catches from Billy and Achilles. The MCC settled after these early setbacks and set about building a sizable total in the conditions, but 4 quick wickets before lunch, two for Achilles, one for Mitch and one for Ben, after a stunning catch in the deep from Mitch, reduced the visitors to 160-6 at the break. One more wicket for Ben followed after lunch and brought with it a declaration with the MCC posting a total of 198-7 off of 35 overs.

This left Shebbear requiring 199 to win, with 2 hours worth of batting, plus 20 overs to reach their target in the timed game format. A steady start ensued from opening pair Achilles and Ben, until the latter fell for 14 after looking well set. As the pitch dried out it became harder to score, but useful contributions from Toby and Alfie allowed Shebbear to gradually accumulate runs, with Achilles settling into his stride at the other end. A flurry of wickets checked the Shebbearian progress, as the MCC wrestled back control of the game. Mitch provided useful resistance and support for Achilles, who by now was moving towards a fantastic hundred. However, the MCC fought back once again with three quick wickets and looked to wrap the game up as we moved into the final 5 overs. Achilles continued to battle and manipulate the strike to maintain control of the game, whilst moving towards his personal milestone, although overs, and batting partners, were running out.

We reached the final over of the game in a position to secure a more than creditable draw, with Achilles on 98. With the field back, Achilles took on the bowling and smashed a superb 6 over long on to bring up his hundred, before seeing off the final 3 balls to secure a memorable draw for Shebbear.

The game was a fantastic advert for cricket at the College, and highlighted some of the undoubted talent we have here. Huge congratulations to all of the team, in particular Achilles, and the recipient of the MCC’s spirit of cricket award, Mitch, although it must be said that this was a true team effort and a fantastic day for all involved.

Mr Law

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education has continued to develop its skill-based curriculum for Forms 1 - 3, focusing on skills that are required for Ten Tors, DofE, Camping, Wilderness walks and bushcraft. We have covered topics from carving whistles, lighting fires with fire steels and building camps to orienteering and map reading.

During this year, we have begun to link our curriculum with other subjects in the school, creating a truly integrated learning experience. The links with Science, History, Geography , Design and Technology will continue to grow over the next year with staff from every department contributing to the scheme of work for 2022-2023.

Duke of Edinburgh

A record number of Shebbear pupils embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh award programmes this year with a large majority of Form 3 signing up for the bronze award and 16 pupils continuing on to silver level. The “DofE” is a fantastic way for pupils to gain recognition of the multitude of extracurricular activities they are involved in; from community science projects to young scout leaders, table tennis to rock climbing, baking to coding; our pupils are busy bees indeed. The highlight of the DofE programme is the two or three day expedition which this year took place on the North Cornwall coast at bronze level and on Exmoor for our silvers. Although a testing experience for many, they will all have formed memories that will last a lifetime and gained skills which will open up some of the most beautiful parts of our diverse island and further afield.

This year, Ten Tors was back with a vengeance after a two year Covid-enforced hiatus. Two Shebbear College teams lined up at 7am on the start line of the challenge this year with routes of 35 or 45 miles to cover across Dartmoors rugged terrain.

Before they even made it to this point, the teams had endured 4 months of preparation and training under the guidance of Mr Deakes, Mr Giles, Miss Barber and Mr Skeer. In this time learning crucial navigation skills, campcraft, first aid, emergency procedures and gaining the fitness required to lug 20kg of kit over the distance. Training took our teams to many different parts of the Dartmoor National Park and is a great opportunity to gain an appreciation for the natural resource the park is. A huge amount of praise must go to every member of the team and the reserves who showed a great degree of courage to embark on the preparations.

Our final two teams of six were awarded favourable walking conditions over the weekend of the event and completed the routes in fantastic time in front of a welcoming party of immensely proud parents and leaders. The 35 mile team was made up of Fin, Lily, Felix, Tom, Henry and Alfie who crossed the finish line at 13.34. The 45 mile team of Roy, Niamh, James, Felix, Sophie and George crossed the finish line at 15.29. It never fails to amaze me how much our pupils “grow’’ during this event and it really is a highlight of the extra-curricular year. Well done everyone and I look forward to seeing you back for the bigger distances next year!

Mr Deakes “Ten Tors 2022 was honestly the most challenging yet rewarding experience I’ve ever had. As well as being really hard physically, it is a real mental challenge. Managing to keep going every time your body told you to stop and keeping resilient, even when you are climbing the steepest Tor, was so difficult but we did it! I can’t explain the feeling when you see all the thousands of people waiting for you, and the walk down the last stretch of road. Even though I was absolutely exhausted by that point, I couldn’t control the smile, it felt amazing! I’m so grateful for having the opportunity to take part in such an incredible challenge and I can’t wait to go for the 45 miles next year!” Lily, 35 Mile Team