Pupils gear up for trip to Argentina (From Gazette Series)

Pupils gear up for trip to Argentina

ARGENTINA is only ten weeks away for 44 students from Katharine Lady Berkeley's School.

On Monday evening, one of the expedition groups met the man who will be leading them - Ian Weeks, originally from Wotton-under-Edge and a former pupil of KLB School.

In 2003, the school invited World Challenge Expeditions to give a presentation in the school about its work. The organisation designs expeditions to stretch and challenge young people without exposing them to unnecessary risk, providing lessons for life.

There was so much interest in World Challenge's work from KLB students after the initial visit that three teams of 15 to 18 year olds emerged, planning a trip of a lifetime to Argentina.

All teams then dedicated themselves to raising money - £3,000 for each participant plus a contribution to team funds.

This groundwork is intended to be a vital part of preparing the young people for working as a team on the expedition.

The meeting this week introduced the students and their parents to the safety procedures for the trip and back-up information.

The largest group, 18-strong, will be led by Ian Weeks, accompanied by PE teacher Dorothy Chilton, who is also deputy head at the school, and Spanish teacher Emma Payne.

Teachers John Kerr and Judith Temple will be accompanying the leaders of the other two groups.

Miss Chilton: "I'm also very pleased to say every child has raised the funds needed. Each team has at least £1,500, with one team managing to raise more than £3,000.

"This has all been done with a lot of imagination and hard work."

The teams will all be visiting the same parts of Argentina, but at different times. They will go on treks and each group will be involved in a community project for the country.

The first team leaves England on July 14, taking part in a 'build-up day' at KLB on July 13.