RE: Exe Valley Challenge.
Dear Head Teacher/Team Managers,
On Sunday 28th June 2015 the sixth Exe Valley Challenge will take place at Isca Academy. It will
feature up to 130 teams from schools across Exeter and the surrounding region and promises to
be an exciting opportunity for children in school years 4-7 to take part in a challenging event.
This will involve walking a 10 mile route for seniors (Yrs 6/7) or 7 miles for juniors (Yrs 4/5) in
the Exe Valley between Countess Wear and St. David’s in teams of four against the clock. All
finishers will receive a medal and there will be trophies for the winners of each category. If they
wish they can also collect sponsorship, raising money for Children’s Hospice South West.
Further information is attached explaining the event in more detail. Alternatively you can email us
or check out the information on the Isca website: www.iscaexeter.co.uk
You will also need to visit the website to enter your school or organisation into the event. We
hope this will streamline the process and improve our communication with you throughout the
build up to the event. If you have any questions about the process please do not hesitate to
contact us.
We anticipate that there will be a great deal of interest in this event so please return your forms
as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The closing date for entries is Friday 22nd May.
In the mean time if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 01392 204082
or evc@iscacollege.devon.sch.uk and if you are inclined find us on twitter @EVC_Isca
Yours sincerely
Clare Toomey and
Event Organisers
Clair Byron
Further Information
The Route
The route starts and finishes at Isca Academy and follows a 10 (senior) or 7
(junior) mile course around the Riverside Valley Park, Pepper Pots Playing Fields and the Quay, reporting to
check points along the way. The Route will be marshalled by clearly identifiable, CRB checked volunteers,
supported by the police and qualified first aiders. Copies of this route can be found on the EVC section of
the school website.
Please note: the 2015 route is subject to change/confirmation due to the ongoing flood relief works in the
area. We will keep teams updated with route news in the lead up to the event.
Teams
Teams must be made up of four pupils from year 4, 5, 6 or 7. This can be in any combination and the
category in which they compete will be determined by the eldest member of the group. There are 6
categories:
Junior (yr 4/5) girls/boys/mixed
Senior (yr 6/7) girls/boys/mixed.
Safety
We have taken all reasonable measures to make sure this is a safe event for pupils to take part in, involving
both the police, highways agency, Exeter City Council and Brian Smith, Devon LEA Outdoor Education
Advisor, in our planning. The risks of this event are greatly reduced and easily managed if teams are
correctly prepared for the event. It is the responsibility of the team managers to ensure that teams have
walked the route with the supervision of a suitable adult prior to the event and are fit to partake. Team
managers can apply to have year 4 and 5 teams shadowed if they feel this is appropriate.
Teams will be required to carry certain equipment with them such as a waterproof coat, a personal first aid
kit, snacks and drinks and be dressed appropriately. Teams will be checked as they leave so please check
that your team is correctly equipped to save time.
Scoring
Each team will be scored out of a maximum 400 points for the seniors and 350 points for the juniors. Points
will be taken away for every minute they are late or early to a check point during the day. They will be given
a question sheet which will also contribute to their total score.
All competitors will receive a medal on finishing and we will aim to announce the winners around 30 minutes
after the last group returns. Teams are encouraged to stay and enjoy the entertainment and refreshments.
Fundraising
This event aims to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. Participants are encouraged to gain
sponsorship but it is not a requirement of taking part. There will be a trophy awarded to the individual
raising the most money.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us on evc@iscacollege.devon.sch.uk or
call Clare Toomey or Clair Byron on 01392 204082
Important dates.
Friday 22nd May - Closing Date for entries
June 16th - let us know if you require a team shadow.
Sunday 28th June- the event!