Challenge Week 2024: Building Life Skills and Reinforcing Values Through Giving Back

Sedbergh School’s Challenge Week is a mammoth undertaking. Over four days, Mr. Arnold, Head of DT, coordinates 350 pupils and 35 staff, who collectively contribute 2,500 hours of labour across multiple sites in and around Sedbergh. “Giving back” is a fundamental component of Sedbergh School’s Challenge Week. Some projects provide immediate community benefit, while others – such as building raised beds in our orchard – are building a legacy that will only give back in a few years. The other aspect of Challenge Week sees groups of pupils step out of their comfort zones, to face mentally and physically demanding challenges – often in the Cumbrian fells – that push their limits and foster new experiences of endurance and growth.

Every Challenge Week project immerses pupils in our school values of humility, ambition, resilience, and kindness, allowing them to end each day with a sense of accomplishment and pride. By completing these projects, pupils also learn valuable life skills that Mr. Arnold, Head of DT and the coordinator of Challenge Week, calls “time-bombs.” These are skills that may not seem immediately necessary, like laying water pipes or repairing outdoor furniture, but years from now, when the need arises, they won’t be daunted because they’ve done it before.

The following nine projects showcase the dedication and hard work of our pupils as they make a positive impact.

The Orchard

The Orchard project saw pupils working to establish a sustainable community food source on the school grounds. Teamwork was a key skills as they dug out the beds and laid 60 meters of raised beds, ensuring these trees have the best chance to thrive. In time, Gooseberry, Loganberry, and Raspberry bushes will line the ends of the plot, with Plum, Cherry, and Almond trees planted on the land between the raised beds. This initiative demonstrates how we can maximize sustainability by utilizing available space. The garden will soon be open for the local community to enjoy.

Bird Boxes

Caring for the environment is a key focus of many Challenge Week projects. Pupils working on the Bird Boxes project took on the practical task of building nesting boxes for breeding squirrels and birds. This involved various skills, from constructing the boxes to certain specifications to selecting appropriate sites for placement. Pupils exercised their entrepreneurial skills too – 50 boxes were sold at Sedbergh Market to benefit a chosen charity. These nesting boxes aim to boost future populations amidst the decline of native species. Through ambitious projects like this, we strive to maintain Sedbergh as a safe haven for wildlife.

Queen’s Gardens

Queen’s Gardens, designed by Thomas Mawson shortly after Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, forms a historic part of Sedbergh’s community. This garden retains its original layout and many features of historic significance, such as including the Queen Victoria Memorial Cross. Working on such a site requires humility and respect to preserve its character. Pupils carefully maintained the area, clearing weeds and debris around the central memorial cross, tidying paths, and trimming bushes while preserving the garden’s essence. To ensure the longevity of these historic walkways, after preparing the area, pupils distributed 28 tonnes of gravel on the paths ensuring that it can be enjoyed by many.

Children’s Art Trail

The remit for the Children’s Art Trail was to create a magical animal and insect trail that inspires people to dream and explore their imaginations while walking through the beautiful Akay woodland. Pupils combined their artistic talents and narrative storytelling to create an intriguing sculptural display. To enhance the experience, visitors can use a QR code to download information about the characters they encounter on the trail. The creation of bug and fairy houses allows minibeasts to thrive in the ancient woodland. This vibrant and sensory experience encourages kindness towards even the smallest creatures. If you’re in Akay, look out for woodland creatures and discover the magic of the woods! You can get a sneak peak of the story on our website!

Church Projects

A team of pupils collaborated with local churches in Sedbergh and Kendal, assisting with practical tasks and enjoying a few choccy biscuits along the way! They undertook cleaning, tidying up, and gardening, fulfilling whatever needs the churches had. Engaging in these tranquil and peaceful settings provided a valuable opportunity for reflection. This project has not only made a real impact in the past, securing lasting partnerships, but has also been greatly appreciated for its kindness and assistance by the local church members, fostering meaningful connections with the community.

Laying the Groundwork for the Pond

The Pond being built in the School’s small-holding is a longer-term project that presented various challenges, demanding both specialised knowledge and machinery. Prioritising biodiversity, the goal is to establish an aquatic habitat for native wildlife, requiring meticulous planning and resilient effort from the pupils. This week’s tasks included digging trenches, installing pipes, and shaping the pond’s outline with a digger. The digger was skillfully operated by Harry – who we learned has a tractor licence which came in very helpful for this project. Once lined, the pond will be filled, creating a haven for plant life, insects, and potentially safeguarded species like butterflies and newts.

Parish Hit Squad

A perennial highlight of Sedbergh Gives Back is the much-loved Parish Hit Squad! The Hit Squad enthusiastically engaged in activities fostering kindness and community spirit. This multifaceted project addressed diverse community needs, from trimming overgrown bushes encroaching on pavements to revitalising local amenities. Tasks included applying a fresh coat of wood stain to a nearby bus shelter, pressure washing a local play area (with grateful thanks to the local business of Simon Shaw) and contributing to the development of the established Sedbergh Town Orchard by laying cement for a new bench and children’s seating area.

Footpath repairs

This group of pupils undertook the task of refurbishing the kissing gates along public footpaths near the school. Their objective was to enhance the sustainability of frequently used areas by both the school and the local community. This hands-on project required significant physical resilience due to its demanding nature. If you’re exploring the local footpaths and enjoying Sedbergh’s breathtaking landscape, watch for the tangible improvements this project has made for visitors and the community.

‘Old Peculiar’ Conservation Area

This group of pupils received guidance in maintaining the established conservation area known as ‘Old Peculiar’. Their task involved essential maintenance to uphold the high standards necessary for meaningful conservation efforts. The pupils approached this task with humility, tackling challenging physical work and demonstrating a readiness to immerse themselves in environmental tasks. They undertook the removal and clearing of an old fence that obstructed access to the pond, replacing it with a new one that includes gated access to the water.

Feats of Growth and Endurance in the Cumbrian Fells