28 January
Poppyfield students join new rock group
Things are looking up for a group of intrepid students at Poppyfield school in Surrey after they decided to join a rock group in their quest for Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award success.
The six boys, from Year 10 and 11, have taken their first steps towards achieving an indoor rock climbing qualification, at the White Spider centre in Surbiton, that will count towards their bronze and silver DofE awards.
Organised through NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme), students Alfie, Marley, Neil, Billy, Alex and Austen have started by learning how to belay, an important climbing safety technique where a partner manages the rope to secure a climber in order to prevent falls and enable controlled descents.
Teacher Alison Gault said the idea came from Head of School Jade Nairne who saw indoor climbing as an extension of their existing visits to High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre near Dorking
Alison, who teaches a range of subjects including PE, said: “Our young learners have just started indoor climbing and they are loving it."
"It’s a great way for them to build confidence and enjoy the sense of achievement that comes with reaching the top of a climb."
“Level one is all about safety, and climbing with confidence but their aim is to progress through the various NICAS levels as they become more proficient and experienced.
“The great thing about this initiative is that our young learners are benefitting in so many different ways. Not only are they working towards a climbing qualification and their DofE awards but they’re boosting their fitness levels too.”
