PUPILS battled sub-zero temperatures in a survival challenge in the Arctic.
39 young explorers from Lewes Old Grammar school tackled cold weather challenges and slept in “snow graves” on an expedition to the Tankavaara tundra, in Finland.
The survival trip was set to be cancelled, but the school said it was determined to go ahead with the expedition, designed to teach children resilience.
Tim Laker, bursar at the school, said: “Although it was extremely complicated to get everyone out there, given the hoops that need to be jumped through to travel internationally, we were determined to try and make this work because the rewards mentally for the pupils are so great.
“They have come back with a whole new set of skills and a new sense of confidence. There couldn’t have been a better time for them to have experienced this life-changing trip.”
Pupils built shelter, trekked through snowy terrain, and cooked in icy conditions.
The six-day challenge tested the 14- and 15-year-old explorers to the limits; they were also taught the correct way to deal with hypothermia should the freezing temperature take its toll.
Matt Barnsley, owner of the expedition company Polaris, said: “The Arctic survival training expedition is like no other – it's not a trip, it’s an experience.
“Our guides teach the pupils how to have the confidence of all the great explorers in history: learning how to set up and operate a full Arctic base camp, stay comfortable at extreme temperatures, and manage themselves and others so that they can be happy in places that most other people would never dare to venture.”
Pupils came away from the experience with “a sense of strength”.
Charlie Hatch, a Year 10 pupil at Lewes Old Grammar school, said: “I can honestly say the trip was a once-in-life-time opportunity and I am so glad I got the chance to travel out to Finland.
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“The tasks were tough, and we couldn’t believe how cold it was – especially when we slept outside – but it felt really good to know we had been taught the right skills to handle it.”
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