Yr 7 Ingleborough Hall Visit

180 Year 7 pupils and 10 staff enjoyed a week of outdoor activities at Ingleborough Hall Outdoor Education Centre the week before half term.  Pupils spent 3 days and 2 nights at the Hall visiting either Monday – Wednesday or Wednesday – Friday.  The aim of the trip was for pupils to get to know each other better and for Form tutors to get to know their tutees even better.  Pupils took part in caving, tree climbing, orienteering, gorge scrambling and hill walking.  Under the expert guidance of the centre staff pupils were guided through caves, helped up rock faces and rather large trees whilst school staff accompanied students around the Norber walk. 

Probably the most exciting activity of the week was caving were pupils found themselves in the underground passages that are found below the limestone dales.  Kitted out in ump lumpa suits, helmets and lights the groups climbed or crawled into the cave entrance and then spent hours walking and crawling around in the subterranean world of darkness (see the video in the video gallery)

Different experiences and fears were overcome as pupils scaled the tall trees in the garden.  Two challenges were set and pupils had to work as a team to ensure the brave climber was well protected.  The view from the top was exceptional. 

The Norber walk posed both a physical and mental challenge as pupils had to solve cryptic clues as they negotiated their way around the 5 mile walk.  The second most popular activity of gorge scrambling takes place in a beautiful desolated valley about a 30 minute drive from the centre.  Having crawled under the road the groups found themselves in a steep sided George that had to be climbed in order to get out!  Moving steadily over a boulder strewn stream bed the groups had to negotiate themselves around pools of water and small rock faces.  Three times the ropes had to come out to protect a climb (see the video) and all too quickly the top was reached leaving a short, steep walk back down to the bus.

Orienteering on the other hand proved to be a mental challenge for the groups who raced around the hall grounds finding well located control points.  After a brief introductory session pairs or solo individuals set off around the blue course – who won?  Results will be out soon.

With the evening meal over, tuck shop sold out an evening programme of films and problem solving followed until it was time for a cup of hot chocolate before bed time.  Bed time was always a challenge for some, especially in the rooms that housed up to 14 boys.

An excellent time was had by all and the school would like to thank Head of Centre Tom Redfern and his staff – Jess, Simon, Jonathan, Dan, Paul and Lee.  We will be back next year with the new Year 7.