SDC Bouldering Wall

Bouldering Wall - Information for parents

As you may now be aware, St David's College has recently had a new Indoor Bouldering Wall facility which has been professionally designed, built and installed by a specialist climbing wall manufacturer. Bouldering is a form of low level rock climbing that does not involve the use of ropes. It is a great way for young people to keep fit and active while at the same time improving their balance, co-ordination and spatial awareness. As well as these benefits, confidence building, problem solving challenges and fun are all part of bouldering. Although the wall is not very high (3.5m max) and the floor is fitted with a purpose made crash mat, the activity of bouldering is not completely free of risks.

A full risk assessment for the bouldering wall has been drawn up by the Outdoor Education Department, which may be viewed on request. When the facility is not being supervised by the qualified staff in the Outdoor Education Department, it is intended that some carefully selected senior pupils and residential staff who are experienced rock climbers will be inducted to independently supervise bouldering sessions. All Outdoor Education Department staff members are first aid qualified, however, in the event of an emergency the School Medical Centre is only a short distance from the Wall.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) states that parents and young participants should be aware that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Parents and participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

An informative document about such pursuits entitled ‘Young People - Climbing, Hill Walking & Mountaineering, A Parents Guide' is free to download from the British Mountaineering Council's website should you require further information: www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=9

Additional consent for your child to use this bouldering wall is not required. However, if you feel that you need further clarification or information, or do not wish to give consent for your child to use this bouldering facility, then please contact the school directly.

Outdoor Education Department