On Wednesday 12 November, seven adventurous students took part in the Secondary Schools Climbing Festival, expertly organised by Wight Climbing and kindly sponsored by the West Wight Sports & Community Centre, Youth Trust, and Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

The students selected for this special event had all shown outstanding commitment to school sport, representing Carisbrooke in the most fixtures and training sessions so far this year. As part of the day’s challenge, they were also set the task of raising money for the festival’s chosen charities, and together they did the school proud by collecting an amazing £221! 

The competition was split into three tough but exciting events; Technical Climb, Speed Climb, and Bouldering. For most of the lads, it was their first time competing in a climbing event, but you wouldn’t have known it from their performances!

After giving it their all in the technical and speed climbs, they saved just enough energy for the final event, the bouldering challenge. Despite tired arms and aching legs, they battled on but came third overall in that category, which meant the boys had to hope their performances in the first two events was enough to claim first place overall. Their determination paid off earlier in the day, as they stormed to first place in both the Speed and Technical Climb events, giving them first overall. 

However, the final placings were not what the day was about, and every single climber improved on their initial sprint times, and most impressively, they all managed to reach the top of the wall with confidence and style. The technical section really tested balance, focus and problem-solving, but the boys took it in their stride, showing resilience and teamwork throughout.

A huge thank you goes to Wight Climbing, West Wight Sports & Community Centre, Youth Trust, and Mountbatten Isle of Wight for organising such a brilliant and inspiring event. It was a fantastic day that gave our students a real sense of achievement and an opportunity to push themselves in a new and exciting environment.

Well done to all involved. You climbed high and made Carisbrooke proud!