A hill with a view: Spalding Grammar School on top.

Spalding pupils’ peak practice for India expedition

Spalding Grammar School pupils have conquered Win Hill in the Peak District in preparation for a month-long trek in the Himalayas.

In July, 21 adventurous students along with staff members will set off on an expedition to northern India with Outlook Expeditions.

Grammar School teacher Stephen Lane said they will travel as two separate teams, having planned itineraries including a trek in the Himalayas, reaching altitudes up to 5,500m, working on a project to construct greenhouses to enable a local community to grow vegetables over an extended growing season, and taking in the sights of Delhi as well as the Taj Mahal.

In preparation for the exciting adventure, the pupils from Year 11, 12 and 13 took to the Peak District for a weekend of walking and learning.

Mr Lane said: “The aim of the weekend was to experience how the students would work together within their teams and to get a firm idea of what would be expected of them during the expedition.

“Numerous group experiences helped the teams gain important skills in readiness for the overseas adventure. Expedition tents were pitched and the students enjoyed a trek over Win Hill. Food had been sourced on a very tight budget and then prepared at the campsite.

“The weather was very kind over the whole weekend, with sunshine and light breezes. The teams ran through numerous scenarios that may be encountered in India.”

On the trip, pupils learned how to care for someone with a broken leg, how to weather a storm and how to cross fast-flowing rivers.

Communication was also paramount to the team building. Mr Lane: “After striking camp, both groups reflected on the weekend and formulated codes of conduct for the India expedition, including no mobile phones to be taken, to enable everyone to have the best possible experience.”

Since the launch of the expedition in October 2016 the students have been busy raising the funds for the adventure.

Team Spalding Grammar School at the camp site.

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