The benefits of learning to climb

The skills children learn through rock climbing and other physical activities can help them to climb their way to success in school and life. These are just some of the transferrable characteristics and skills that students gain from learning to climb:

Responsibility

Children have to learn how to take responsibility for their own safety. They must carefully follow instructions and double check their own equipment before every climb. They learn to consider their own safety and the safety of others in different situations.

Problem solving

Children have to mentally plan a route up the wall and then adjust that plan if they get stuck. This requires quick, flexible, and creative thinking - skills essential for success in today’s rapidly changing global workforce.

Motor skills

There are few other sports that use such a variety of motor skills. Children develop hand and finger strength which helps to improve dexterity and mind-muscle connection. They also gain physical strength in their arms, legs and their core muscles. Other physical benefits include bilateral coordination – where children learn to use both sides of their body together. This helps create neural pathways across the midline of the brain, reinforcing the mind-body connection.

Resilience

Children learn to challenge themselves, set their own personal goals and endure when they are struggling. They realise that they are supported by climbing coaches so it is safe to fall or make mistakes and try again. They also have a group of friends, peers and coaches, cheering them on every step of the way. Resilience, also known as grit, leads to greater success in life than a person’s innate ability alone.

Confidence

When a child succeeds at a challenge they have set for themselves they gain confidence in their ability. They are more likely to take risks in learning in other areas. 

Participating in climbing and other physical activities helps children to grow physically, emotionally and socially, developing skills that will support them in school and later on in life. The uncertain conditions they face in experiential learning activities mimic the environment we face in the real world, forcing students to learn how to adapt to different situations.

At BVIS, sport activities are designed and integrated harmoniously into the curriculum and after-school clubs. Physical Exercise is an essential part of student life but those with passion for particular sports can engage in after school classes, focussing on football, marathon, swimming, volleyball, baseball, basketball, badminton, table tennis gymnastics and more.

Through sports, we further the values of BVIS in becoming a community that values perseverance, caring, curiosity, and respect. Additionally, we provide training opportunities to the students who want to develop their leadership skills by becoming coaches of class members.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SPORTS PROGRAMME HERE