Ten Tors 2020
2019/2020 Information
The Ten Tors 2020 Challenge takes place on Friday 1st May to Sunday 3rd May 2020. Training will be open to students who are in years 9 to 13 in September 2019. Training will commence in October 2019 and usually there is one day walk each month – on a weekend and weekend camps in March and April.
The school has reserved teams for 2020 Ten Tors Challenge as follows:
Students should look on the Student Bulletin and the Ten Tors Noticeboard for information.
Please note: We will always meet after school, 3.30pm to 4.30pm on the FRIDAY before a weekend walk. Meeting in Student Support, this is for vital route planning and other information.
Please speak to Mrs Clark ( Student Support) if you have any questions.
The school has reserved teams for 2020 Ten Tors Challenge as follows:
- 35 mile team x 2
Students should look on the Student Bulletin and the Ten Tors Noticeboard for information.
Please note: We will always meet after school, 3.30pm to 4.30pm on the FRIDAY before a weekend walk. Meeting in Student Support, this is for vital route planning and other information.
Please speak to Mrs Clark ( Student Support) if you have any questions.
Training Dates
(Please note 29th February 2020)
Sunday 8th December 2019 Dartmoor
Saturday 18th January 2020 Dartmoor
Sunday 9th February 2020 Dartmoor
Saturday 29th February 2020 Local Training Walk
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March 2020 Camping Weekend
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2020 Final Camping Weekend
Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2020 – Challenge weekend
Letter Dec 19/20
Sunday 8th December 2019 Dartmoor
Saturday 18th January 2020 Dartmoor
Sunday 9th February 2020 Dartmoor
Saturday 29th February 2020 Local Training Walk
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March 2020 Camping Weekend
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2020 Final Camping Weekend
Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2020 – Challenge weekend
Letter Dec 19/20
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Latest News from Ten Tors 2020
March 2020
We held our first camping weekend on Dartmoor last weekend and, despite the mist and rain, the students were successful in navigating their way around the routes as well as camping overnight. We were again supported by our dedicated and reliable group of volunteers, and we are very grateful for their help.
We are due to train over the weekend of 18th and 19th April 2020, but, of course, this will depend on the unfolding situation with the Coronavirus situation.
November Update
Training report - a Day of Two Halves
Training took place locally on Saturday 9th November, which was a day of two halves! During the morning rain fell heavily, and half of the group make the decision to abandon the walk when we arrived in the village of Sidbury. However, as promised by Mrs Clark, the rain dried up and the sun came out for the afternoon and the adults and the amazing year 9 students completed the rest of the route, which had taken in four trig points around the Sid Valley and was one of the toughest routes we will use in training. Well done year 9s!
We next walk on Sunday 8th December when we will travel to Dartmoor. The route will be less distance than our local walks, but we will be spending time on navigation and getting to the top of some fantastic Tors.
We held our first camping weekend on Dartmoor last weekend and, despite the mist and rain, the students were successful in navigating their way around the routes as well as camping overnight. We were again supported by our dedicated and reliable group of volunteers, and we are very grateful for their help.
We are due to train over the weekend of 18th and 19th April 2020, but, of course, this will depend on the unfolding situation with the Coronavirus situation.
November Update
Training report - a Day of Two Halves
Training took place locally on Saturday 9th November, which was a day of two halves! During the morning rain fell heavily, and half of the group make the decision to abandon the walk when we arrived in the village of Sidbury. However, as promised by Mrs Clark, the rain dried up and the sun came out for the afternoon and the adults and the amazing year 9 students completed the rest of the route, which had taken in four trig points around the Sid Valley and was one of the toughest routes we will use in training. Well done year 9s!
We next walk on Sunday 8th December when we will travel to Dartmoor. The route will be less distance than our local walks, but we will be spending time on navigation and getting to the top of some fantastic Tors.
DISCOUNT REMINDERS: Remember discount letters for Cotswold from Mrs Clark (Student Support) and other discounts can be found on the Ten Tors Website - link below:
http://www.tentors.org.uk/services/partners
Dates (subject to change if necessary due to staffing or weather)
http://www.tentors.org.uk/services/partners
Dates (subject to change if necessary due to staffing or weather)
What is the Ten Tors Challenge?
The annual Ten Tors Challenge was first conceived in the late 50s by three army officers and takes place on the rugged terrain of Dartmoor. It is organised and run by the British Army and provides a test of endurance, navigation, teamwork, leadership and survival skills for 2400 young people between the ages of 14 and 19 years.
Over the course of two days (34 hours), teams of six are required to negotiate and navigate their way around one of 26 designated routes across Dartmoor, with checkpoints at 10 nominated Tors. The course of the route is not made public until 10am on the day before they set off.
Depending on their age, teams cover distances of either 35 miles (14-15 years old), 45 miles (16-17 years old), or 55 miles (17-19years old) with the added challenge of having to carry with them all of their kit - including food, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, fuel, navigation equipment, maps, emergency rations and a first aid kit – weighing in at approximately 25kg!
There is also the added dimension of the weather to contend with. Despite being held in May every year, the weather can be variable. Some years have seen unprecedented torrential rain, sleet and even snow, whereas other years (such as 2011 when 13 teams dropped out) have seen participants struggle with heat exhaustion. Safety of all participants, however, is paramount. All teams have their equipment thoroughly checked the day before the event in a process known as ‘scrutineering’. In addition, the organisers have been known to call the event off as a result of adverse weather conditions.
Nevertheless, it goes without saying, Ten Tors is not an event that students can just pitch up and take part in on the day. Completing the challenge takes determination, teamwork, fitness and months of training; only those students who meet the mark are selected as team members.
Over the course of two days (34 hours), teams of six are required to negotiate and navigate their way around one of 26 designated routes across Dartmoor, with checkpoints at 10 nominated Tors. The course of the route is not made public until 10am on the day before they set off.
Depending on their age, teams cover distances of either 35 miles (14-15 years old), 45 miles (16-17 years old), or 55 miles (17-19years old) with the added challenge of having to carry with them all of their kit - including food, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, fuel, navigation equipment, maps, emergency rations and a first aid kit – weighing in at approximately 25kg!
There is also the added dimension of the weather to contend with. Despite being held in May every year, the weather can be variable. Some years have seen unprecedented torrential rain, sleet and even snow, whereas other years (such as 2011 when 13 teams dropped out) have seen participants struggle with heat exhaustion. Safety of all participants, however, is paramount. All teams have their equipment thoroughly checked the day before the event in a process known as ‘scrutineering’. In addition, the organisers have been known to call the event off as a result of adverse weather conditions.
Nevertheless, it goes without saying, Ten Tors is not an event that students can just pitch up and take part in on the day. Completing the challenge takes determination, teamwork, fitness and months of training; only those students who meet the mark are selected as team members.
Who Can Take Part?
Any student in Year 9 or above can get involved and should speak to Inclusion Manager Mrs Carole Clark in the first instance. Even those who are not selected to take part in the final challenge will benefit from taking part in the Ten Tors training programme. Students learn new skills, improve fitness levels and have lots of fun along the way. In addition, the College can help with the provision of some of the required equipment. Students must be prepared to attend the training walks, attend the weekly meetings, attend training sessions, be physically fit and be a good team member.
You can find out more information about the Ten Tors challenge on the official Ten Tors Website.
Any parents/friends of the College who would like to join us on the walks should please contact Mrs C Clark at the College, ext 260.
You can find out more information about the Ten Tors challenge on the official Ten Tors Website.
Any parents/friends of the College who would like to join us on the walks should please contact Mrs C Clark at the College, ext 260.
