How a Climbing Wall Became Part of a NEW Physical Education Program

The introduction of a NEW physical education (PE) program at Ancaster Senior Public School had, at its root, the desire to make physical activity an inclusive domain for both athletic students and those not so inclined. With the growing concerns over the rapid and consistent rise in childhood obesity rates it was evident that the current model of competitive sport skill-related programs was not meeting the needs of many students. In an effort to address these concerns, it was necessary to look for ways to engage students that would meet their needs and interests. To accomplish this end, it was determined that many of the goals the school was attempting to meet could be addressed through the use of a climbing wall. The climbing wall was seen as a legitimate educational activity that would encourage the physical, mental, social and emotional growth of each participant. This article describes how a climbing wall became an integral part of Ancaster Senior's NEW PE program. The integration of a permanent climbing wall in the school as part of its NEW PE program has provided students with an invitation to revisit their childhood and "climb" the new challenges presented in the "new curriculum" of the 21st century.