Students Climb In Rain, Teachers Look On

Despite its best efforts, the rain could not stop the Year Eights buckling up their hard helmets and tackling the climbing wall, provided by World Challenge. This company had also provided experts who were going to prepare the students to climb safely.

They were divided into two groups, while one was on the climbing wall, the other was on a treasure hunt around school.

Geography teacher Miss Hollinger informed us of the skills that the students required and/or learnt, the main ones being: confidence – believing that you can do it; trust – trusting that the rest of your team will keep hold of the rope (!); working as a team – knowing that it's not just about you, and athleticism – being agile and fit to master the wall.

“Climbing is one of the few sports that girls are generally better at than boys!” Miss Hollinger also told us.

So as the Year Eights were busy with their activity, the teachers (Miss Hollinger and Mr Driver) lounged in chairs in the shelter of the gazebo, drinking coffee and eating Werther's Originals. It's all right for some!

Gabrielle and Petrina (Y7)

Monkeys on the Move!

As we appeared at the climbing wall, the students were getting prepared for the wall.

We asked a student how she felt before climbing the wall, “I'm terribly excited!” We knew she was telling the truth as her face was glowing and she was jumping about! We asked another student how he felt, “I'm excited, but I've climbed higher.” (Nothing like showing off is there! Haha!)

Some of the students look scared as they looked up at the wall, making sure their harness was tightened enough and their helmets were secure!

The wall was wet so it was harder for them to climb, but they managed to do it! Tapton pupils never give up!

If you are interested in climbing you could go to quote Matt http://www.world-challenge.co.uk or http://www.adventuresareus.com

By Jack And Matt (Y8)