Pupils Complete ‘Canoe Marathon’ Harsh Weather Adds Extra Challenge to Ten Tors At Easter, 17 Kelly pupils attempted the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon.
Horrendous weather, blisters and fatigue added an extra challenge for the 38 Kelleians who competed in the Ten Tors on Dartmoor.
According to the organisers, more than 400 competitors were forced to pull out and disorientation, due to a severe lack of visibility, was a major concern from very early on. Despite the conditions, all Kelly teams completed the event, with only one fall out due to illness. It was a fantastic performance by all the Kelly pupils.
In a year in which 20% of the senior paddlers retired because of the cold conditions, all of the Kelly paddlers showed outstanding determination and completed the course. Congratulations to the full squad of Amy Anstee, Benjamin Ashley, Alexander Boswell, Clementine Boyle, Louisa Butcher, Henry Chamberlain, Katy Collingwood, Leon Cording, Guy Coulton, Matthew Earp, Olivia Hampden-Smith, Oliver Hancox, Julia Howard, Laura Nicholas, Finn Ramirez, Will Stewart and Fleur Sylvester on their fantastic achievement. We would also like to extend our most sincere thanks to all the parents who have supported the pupils throughout the training, preparation and completion of this truly Herculean challenge.
Cadets Visit Scottish Glens Our strong tradition of outdoor education continued over the Easter break with a Combined Cadet Force trip to the stunning Glen Dhu, Scotland. At the start of the week, the group were given 100 ‘groats’, to be used as both currency and a measure of their success, and a list of tasks to complete. Any number of tasks could be undertaken and in any order, but the cadets had to have a net worth of 500 ‘groats’ by the time the week had ended. Some of the tasks undertaken were to kayak to the end of the loch and make a cup of tea on an island and to walk up and over the surrounding glens and have a team photo in front of the tallest waterfall in Northern Europe.
Running alongside the Ten Tors was the Jubilee Challenge: a circuit of up to 15 miles specifically for young people with special educational or physical needs. 4th Form pupil Virginia Butcher represented Kelly College in this event. She did really well, coming joint first on her route having led most of the way. Congratulations to everyone who took part and thanks to all the staff and parents who have helped out over the training and during the event.
Kelly Expedition 2013 Over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of March, 59 pupils from the 4th, 5th and 6th Forms took part in the 2013 Kelly Expedition. During the walk, pupils’ navigation, commitment and teamwork were ruthlessly tested by extraordinarily low visibility. Despite the conditions, spirits were high, even when many walkers woke up on day two to frozen tents and even frozen boots. All teams eventually finished the walk to a fantastic reception from parents. Thanks to all the staff and parents who have committed a huge amount of time and effort to make this year’s Kelly Expedition, and all the training that goes into it, such a success.