Adventure Meets Mindset: Year 10 Take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks

It was Eldmire’s turn to take on a Cundall challenge this week, as our Year 10 pupils attempted the Yorkshire Three Peaks in a single day.

Setting off from school at 5am, the group faced an ambitious 23-mile route through the Yorkshire Dales, with more than 1,600 metres of ascent. Their journey took them past the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct before climbing Whernside (736m), Ingleborough (723m) and finally Pen-y-Ghent (694m).

It’s a demanding day over varied terrain and a real test of stamina and determination. Eldmire rose to the challenge, completing the route in record time.

Building the mindset to keep going

Experiences like this are an important part of life at Cundall. Throughout their time at school, pupils are given opportunities to challenge themselves beyond the classroom – from climbing mountains and completing Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to sailing in Cowes and taking part in residentials with their year group.

The value isn’t simply in reaching the summit or completing the miles. It’s what pupils learn about themselves along the way.

There are inevitably moments when things get tough. Pupils have to dig deep, encourage each other and keep moving forward when stopping would be the easier option. Completing a challenge like the Yorkshire Three Peaks gives them first-hand experience of just how much they are capable of.

That resilience and can-do attitude comes back into the classroom too. Whether tackling a difficult problem, preparing for an exam, trying something new or having another go when something hasn’t worked the first time, pupils have already experienced what it feels like to push through something difficult and come out the other side.

It’s why experiences like the Yorkshire Three Peaks matter. They give pupils the chance to test themselves, find out what they are capable of and carry that mindset into the challenges that come next.