Ten Tors 2025
During the second weekend in May, three teams of Sheldon students headed out to Dartmoor to take on the Ten Tors Challenge. The groups, ranging from Year 9 to Year 12 walked 35 and 45 mile routes over two days, camping over night without any adult supervision. It is a life changing experience that teaches students resilience, courage and teamwork. It allows them to push themselves through a challenge, learn important life skills and form new friendships outside of the classroom.
I've definitely changed...I've got all these new friends and am happier generally.
They all completed the challenge in fantastic time, in great spirits as they crossed the finish line in fancy dress. This Sheldon tradition is a highlight of the event and a chance go our groups to get noticed as they cross the line. This year we had very creative choices as our groups dressed as sharks, astronauts and aliens and party animals. We love seeing their energy they bring across the line after two challenging days of hiking! Mr Page, Ten Tors manager at Sheldon, describes the finish line as "an incredibly proud moment to see them all laughing, smiling and singing. A truly, truly wonderful experience."
Our Ten Tors students are exceptional role models for Sheldon. They have been training for the entire year through training walks, camping trips and weekly after school session son how to use equipment and plan their route. As Mr Page explained, Ten Tors is about teaching students "the ethos of team work, team spirit, looking after each other and revelling in being outside and being a bit silly."
While these 18 students represented Sheldon at the main event, they were joined nearly 50 other students throughout the year. It can be a tough selection process, and we would like to congratulate everyone who had a go at Ten Tors training this year. Many of the participants were on their third year of taking on the challenge, but there were also some who only began training this school year.
I'm incredibly proud of myself because this is my first year of training and I didn't think I'd make it to the event. Crossing the finish line was the happiest thing ever!
We'd like to thank the staff that organise Ten Tors each year, as well as the former staff and student volunteers who give up their time to support our students. We wouldn't have the successful tradition of Ten Tors at Sheldon without Mr Page, Mrs Goldsmith and Mrs Teague.
Throughout the year, BBC Radio Wiltshire has followed the group to monitor their progress. A series of radio interviews can be found below, beginning with the first taster walk in November. The interviews also include a stove lighting training day, a pre-event interview and reflections from the students upon their return.