Students from Denbighshire high schools literally had a mountain to climb as part of their studies, with a challenge set to climb the highest mountain in Wales.
The challenge formed part of the students’ BTEC Level 2 Public Services course with Gotcha International Academy, arranged as part of the Potensial project in Denbighshire.
The students from were from Ysgol Brynhyfryd (Ruthin), Ysgol Dinas Bran (Llangollen), Denbigh High School and Ysgol Glan Clwyd (St Asaph).
The expedition involved three days and two nights of camping with an excursion to climb up to the top of Snowdon using leadership and motivational skills .
After a full term of work and planning the ‘Gotcha Expedition’ got underway by setting up camp.. All the students were issued with all required equipment for the expedition and the students were given a presentation by Mark Morgan on his recently completed South Pole expedition.
Vona Law, Potensial Project Officer, said: “On arrival at Snowdon the teams were briefed and headed up on their trek. With Brian Bloor leading the way all the students and members of the Potensial team achieved the goal of Snowdon summit by 11am and were greeted by clear, crisp views across North Wales.
“After a swift descent the students arrived back at their camp to prepare and eat their dinner, and spend some time enjoying evening entertainment, before heading to bed with tired legs all round.
“On the final morning, an inspection of the camp area was carried out before the youngsters turned their hand to a more fun kind of activity – paint-balling. They were presented with certificates before their challenge came to an end.
“This was an exciting challenge that helped them work together as a team, but also to motivate students to reach their goal.
Potensial is an European Social Fund project supported through Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council. The aim of the project is to support students by providing an alternative learning pathway to improve attendance, motivation and engagement.
For further information about Potensial, please contact Vona Law on 01824 708025.
