The physical fitness of primary and secondary school students has been declining year by year. How can we boost students’ interest and enthusiasm for sports? Recently, Nanyang High School in Xuhui District, Shanghai, introduced an elective course — “Rock Climbing” — which has been well received by students. It is reported that the school will build a rock climbing wall in its gymnasium to give more students the opportunity to experience this self-challenging sport.
Declining student fitness is linked to lack of exercise
Last year, a citywide survey on the physical health of middle school students was conducted. The results showed that the rate of poor eyesight among students remained high, with an overall detection rate of 70.25%. The rate of poor eyesight among students aged 7 to 18 increased rapidly with age. Compared with 2005, the overall detection rate of poor eyesight among students aged 7 to 22 in Shanghai rose by 5.34 percentage points. The obesity screening rate was significantly higher for boys than for girls, and compared with previous years, the proportions of students who were overweight or obese both increased.
Nowadays, living conditions are getting better, so why is students’ physical fitness getting worse? Chen Hongguan, Party committee secretary and vice principal of Nanyang High School, found that students’ physical condition is related to their current exercise habits. Some high school students reduce their exercise time due to academic pressure, while others lack interest in sports such as long-distance running or ball games... As students exercise less, their ability to endure hardship also weakens, making them more prone to accidental injuries when participating in activities like pull-ups or long-distance running.
How to encourage students to participate in more sports? Nanyang High School, known for its sports specialties, has introduced a rich “menu” of activities. In addition to ensuring basic physical education classes, the school also offers distinctive electives such as soccer, badminton, rock climbing, and curling.
Over 70 students compete for 30 spots
Can rock climbing be promoted among students, combining sports and education to strengthen students’ willpower and improve their resilience to setbacks? A idea proposed by Yu Donghang, principal of Nanyang High School, received a positive response. Wang Maogong, Party Working Committee Secretary of Xuhui District Education Bureau, and Li Mingyi, Director of Xuhui District Sports Bureau, quickly reached a consensus. It was decided that Nanyang High School would pilot the program, with the Shanghai Mountaineering Association assigning professional coaches to offer a “Rock Climbing” elective course to first-year high school students.
Since it was a beginner-level course, and considering teaching effectiveness and student safety, the rock climbing lessons were held at the Shanghai Stadium Climbing Gym. Liu Guobin, a physical education teacher at the school, explained that as soon as the news about the rock climbing course was announced, over 70 students signed up. After screening based on factors such as physique, 30 students were ultimately selected as the first group of participants.
Rock climbing is a self-challenging sport where injuries such as abrasions and blisters can easily occur. Would parents be concerned? In response, Chen Hongguan explained that before the course began, the school invited experts from the Mountaineering Association to give lectures to all students, introducing basic knowledge about outdoor sports and key points of safety precautions. Additionally, the school purchased extra accident insurance for students taking the elective. Beyond establishing a safety net, the school also invited top climbers — Li Chunhua and Wang Ran — to demonstrate techniques for the students.
Building a rock climbing wall to let more students experience it
Rock climbing, often referred to as “ballet on the wall,” may look cool, but it’s not easy once you get started. Professional climbing shoes are two or three sizes smaller than regular shoes, and the entire foot is curled up to grip the climbing holds securely. After the initial novelty wears off, how many students will stay? Liu Guobin said that none of the 30 students backed out, and they all gained something from the experience.
Upon hearing that the school would offer a free rock climbing course, Zhang Zhen, a curious student from Class 1, Grade 10, signed up. When he first tried the equipment, some experienced students told him, “Even if you’re not very good at climbing, just trying it out will help you discover your hidden strength.” Seeing the instructors patiently explain and demonstrate, his curiosity was sparked again. After a period of practice, he can now easily climb to the highest point. He also discovered his own athletic potential and realized that perseverance is key to accomplishing anything.
In November last year, Shanghai hosted its first Rock Climbing Championship. Some students from the class signed up for the youth division and ultimately won three first-place awards.
Chen Hongguan explained that the Nanyang High School gymnasium, currently under renovation, will feature a dedicated rock climbing wall to give more students the opportunity to experience this self-challenging sport.