Ten years ago we started an adventure for Year 6 pupils and called it The Hydesville Challenge. Today, it is a legendary rite of passage for our oldest Prep School children and the stuff memories are made of.
The Hydesville Challenge, unique to us, was designed to:
- set the final year of Key Stage 2 apart
- provide Year 6 with an additional focus alongside the 11 Plus and SATs
- prepare pupils for Senior School by developing independence, personal responsibility and maturity
- nurture a spirit of adventure and excitement
- reward hard work and good behaviour.
Children are set a series of challenges to complete individually, in teams or as a year group during the spring and summer terms. Activities typically include creative fundraising, outdoor pursuits, problem solving and innovation. The culmination, and cause of much excitement amongst the children, is an expedition to the great outdoors, namely a four night camping trip to Beaudesert Park on Cannock Chase. During this special week they have the time of their lives; abseiling, canoeing, water fights, sports, adventure, art, fun and friendship.
Our programme is inspired by the highly successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which is open to children aged 14 and upwards, including those in our own Senior School.
Ms Stone
Son in Year 7
The year 6 Hydesville Challenge was brilliant. It really enhanced my son’s learning and knowledge for the future. The enterprise venture was particularly good.
