13 students from a nearby Hampton school visited the Arctic Circle in a trip of a lifetime.

In April, a group of students from Years 9 and 10 at Hampton Court House School travelled to the Arctic Circle for "transformational experience".

Led by teachers, the students headed to Tankavaara, Finland, where they were welcomed by the expert Polaris Outdoor expedition team.

Over the course of the week, students were immersed in a carefully designed programme aimed at building resilience, confidence, leadership and teamwork, all within the stunning but unforgiving Arctic wilderness. 

Activities included cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, animal tracking, mountain hiking, Arctic first aid training and even leading husky dog teams.

The students also learned how to navigate in whiteout conditions, where visibility and contrast are severely reduced, build and sleep in snow shelters, and conduct search and rescue operations. 

As the week progressed, they put their new skills to the test by leading their own overnight expeditions, camping out under the Arctic stars in small teams.

They also had the good fortune to see the Northern Lights while they were there.

"It was a truly transformational experience," said one student, Kyle (Year 10). "We were pushed beyond what we thought possible, and by the end of the week we were not just surviving, we were thriving."

Another student, Beck (Year 10), shared: "This trip gave us experiences that students can't get anywhere else. It taught us survival skills, resilience and the value of teamwork."

Each evening, the group also took part in reflective sessions that encouraged them to explore personal growth, their strengths, and the obstacles they face both individually and as part of society.

Principal of Hampton Court House, Katherine Vintiner, praised both the staff and students for their adventurous spirit.

She commented: "This was not just a school trip, it was a journey of personal discovery. I'm incredibly proud of our students for embracing the challenge and of our teachers for guiding and inspiring them every step of the way. 

"Opportunities like this shape who our young people become. Their courage, resilience and kindness in such a harsh environment is exactly what we hope to nurture at HCH."