Students from Saint Paul’s visited the Big Depot Climbing in Wythenshawe where they enjoyed tackling the large indoor climbing walls. The visit to the climbing centre was a reward to those students who had performed well and engaged enthusiastically in PE this year.
Climbing can aid the development of co-ordination and motor skills, as well as giving individuals achievable goals and the instructors use a range of techniques to include climbers of all abilities. This session was great fun and focused on skill development and safety as well as climbing techniques.
“Climbing is a great way to develop fitness, teamwork and communication skills,” explained Mr Mawn, Head of PE. “All the students had a great time exploring the different challenges put in front them in an enjoyable and exhilarating environment.”
Mr Mawn added “The students enjoyed the PE reward trip which was for those who had consistently engaged in all things PE this year. The students were all excited to use the climbing walls and showed a great deal of enthusiasm for the activity. As well as improving fitness, climbing is also an effective tool in boosting self-confidence, giving young people the chance to try out a new and unusual activity.”
Headteacher, Mr Whiteside, said “The visit was a fantastic opportunity for personal development and had a very positive effect on self-esteem and social interaction. I was pleased to see how well the students responded to being outside their comfort zone. They worked well as teams and were able to communicate with, and trust, their climbing partners.”