Pupils from two local schools in Cardiff are learning the benefits of climbing through teaming up with one of the UK’s largest indoor climbing centres.

Mary Immaculate High School and Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf have partnered up with Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre in Cardiff through the Sports Council for Wales’ 5x60 programme, a scheme designed to get more secondary school pupils taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week.

25 pupils aged between 11 - 15 have been introduced to climbing outside of school hours, as part of the scheme which provides pupils with a wide range of activities to encourage them to get off the sidelines and get active.

Running a series of Learn to Climb courses which follow the National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS), Boulders aims to not only promote physical activity but encourage personal development through recognising individual achievement, building confidence and improving self esteem.

Aled Lewis, a 5x60 officer said: "As 5x60 officers, we are constantly looking for innovative and exciting ways to engage young people in physical activity. Boulders Climbing Centre offers youngsters the chance to develop their climbing and social skills in a fun and challenging environment."

During the course, pupils are split into groups of nine and over five sessions work towards successfully completing teambuilding tasks and problem solving exercises. Pupils also have the opportunity to attend 5x60 afterschool clubs which run twice weekly to help continue to improve their skills learnt.

As Rob Lawrence, managing director of Boulders explains: "Climbing can be beneficial, not only as a form as exercise, but can also be used as a developmental tool for young people. Climbing can be both physically and mentally challenging, however when you reach the top it can be a very rewarding experience. Through climbing, youngsters can improve not only their strength and stamina but also their social skills, commitment and trust in one self and others."

Continued Aled: "The Learn to Climb course has enabled us to implement strategic goals and objectives to encourage children to work towards targets and aim higher. As well as providing pupils with a chance to experience a number of different activities away from a school environment, climbing has also educated the youngsters about responsibility and the importance of building trust among peers through teamwork."