The moor the merrier

10:45am Saturday 29th September 2007

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NEW students at Budmouth Technology College in Weymouth, found themselves off to Dartmoor before the autumn term had even started.

The Year 7 party went to the moor to undertake a whole series of activities designed to build confidence and promote friendship.

The newcomers had arrived from 16 primary schools across Weymouth and Portland and staff said it was vital that they have an opportunity to get to know each other and meet some of their new teachers.

During the week some 240 children and 24 staff undertook a programme of residential activities which included mountain biking, hill walking, juggling, problem solving, swimming and initiative tests.

Evenings were filled with campfires, fire juggling displays and there was even a disco. What makes the annual camps unique is the fact that they are run by past students, some 20 of whom turned out from 12 different universities to staff the programme.

The undergraduates, having once participated as freshers themselves, have a unique insight into the programme and its benefits.

All have gone on to more adventurous trips and at least one major overseas expedition, so Budmouth vice-principal John Hegarty said that they provided an ideal role model for the young people in their care.

He added: "The camp is fantastic fun for the children and the perfect start to their secondary education.

"It also starts for the student an adventurous journey that can encompass numerous trips to Dartmoor and South Wales as well as Ten Tors competitions, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Combined Cadet Force, parachuting, skiing and overseas expeditions, all of which are on offer at Budmouth."