On Saturday, eight of our Year 6 children took part in the Exmoor Challenge. In preparation, they completed over 30 miles of training and developed valuable map-reading skills to support them on the day.

The challenge itself required both teams to navigate a 16-mile route across the moors. We began by meeting at school for a final bag check before travelling to Dulverton, the start and finish point. On arrival, we joined hundreds of other schools, waiting patiently on the field for our team numbers to be called. Once called, each team registered and set off at their allocated time.

We caught up with both groups at Checkpoint 2, where they were in great spirits and only a few minutes behind schedule. From there, we moved on to Checkpoint 5 to await their arrival. By this stage, the teams were beginning to tire and had lost a little time, but they continued to show determination, maintaining strong walking pace and positive attitudes.

As we returned to Dulverton to await the finish, the weather took a turn for the worse, with heavy and relentless rain setting in for a couple of hours. As we waited at the finish line, I began to worry that the difficult conditions might dampen the teams’ spirits, or even force them to withdraw.

However, I was thrilled to be proven wrong. Both teams appeared together on the bridge, soaked through but smiling, and crossed the finish line side by side.

For the first time in my five years of involvement with the Exmoor Challenge, every member of both teams finished together. I am incredibly proud of what these Year 6 pupils have achieved—they demonstrated our school values and vision every step of the way.

Well done, Year 6—what an incredible achievement!

Ryan Manning

UKS2 Teacher & PE Lead