Despite freezing temparatures and 10 feet high snow drifts, 36 determined students, accompanied by Mr Ramsey, Mrs Humble and Mrs Lamb headed for Howtown in the Lake District, for a residential trip full of challenging activities.

Extreme weather presented the first challenge; the road to Howtown itself was closed due to snow so our adventurous group had to make the last part of the journey by steam boat!

Once settled in, the introduction to the trip was the pleasant sounding, "Jog and Dip', a physical activity previously used as a way to toughen up the marines during the war! It involved running through knee deep snow in shorts and t-shirt and then into the lake, which was measured at a cool 2 degrees. Needless to say, it was an unforgettable experience for everyone!

Next, students braved the weather and went well beyond their comfort zone to trek 8km with full kit bags, before setting up camp for the night and cooking and entertaining themselves. On return to the centre the sense of pride and achievement was immense; they had done something they never thought they could do.

All this was followed by canoeing across the lake in 40 mph wind, playing games like "fruit salad', where you exchange canoes while trying not to capsize, and an exciting day of obstacle courses, orienteering, tunnels and night lines.

The trip ended with an unusual awards ceremony and an evaluation, which contributed to a fantastic educational experience overall.

Sadly, the bad weather prevented us from climbing and abseiling as it was too dangerous however, as part of a promise to our students and committment to the "Summer of Sport' we will be taking the group climbing soon.

Mrs Humble was extremely impressed by the resilience and determination shown by our students. She said: "Each activity offered a different challenge and experience. In four days I watched our students develop as young people; their confidence improved, they were more comfortable communicating with each other and they learned about their own strengths and weaknesses."

"Often we seek the easy option but if we don't challenge ourselves and push our limits we will never know what we are capable of. These students have so much to feel proud of."

Due to the success of this Howtown tour we plan on launching it as an annual event so that more students can take part in this unique opportunity. Long may it continue!

Howtown 2013