Lead climbing teaches students about responsibility, perseverance, concentration, risk-taking, decision-making, confidence, teamwork and trust, and this group excelled in all areas. It was a true pleasure working with them, getting to know them better and watching them develop through this incredible learning experience. Robert Euell
During the last four Wednesday afternoons before Christmas, a group of IB students went to climb at the Vertigo climbing centre. As already fairly experienced climbers, we chose to face a new challenge, lead climbing. While normally you are secured by a fixed top-rope, lead climbing involves pulling up the rope yourself, as well as a higher risk.
This involved various new challenges, as now any mistake would have more serious consequences. Balancing your weight, holding on to the wall, and clipping your life-securing rope into the wall were what we now had to perfect.
Yet even on the ground, we faced a more complex task. Not only did we have to take in rope, we also had to give out more rope to allow the climber to climb. Securing our fellow students, and our teachers, was vital.
Together as a team, and under the guidance and teaching of Mr Euell and Mr Pheby, we all gained experience in this new area of climbing. There were no accidents, but we had an enjoyable time, full of physical challenges to overcome. Nils Lamers
Although I only signed up for the last block of wall climbing, I really enjoyed it. It was relatively new to me and I found it rewarding to face new challenges. I started with easier climbing and moved onto more difficult and even angled walls. I have also learned the art of belaying and lead climbing. Evelien Arts
Since I first started climbing at the start of this year, I’ve loved every single session. Not only have I improved my technique and speed, I’ve also learned to climb single-colour paths and challenging walls. I have learned to belay, climb top-rope, and then gone on to take the extra challenge of lead climbing. It has been a great experience, as it was not only challenging physically, but also mentally. Hanne Arts