Sixth Formers embrace Swiss adventure thanks to new award
Sixth Formers Caitlin Hill and Ella Higgins enjoyed a week mountaineering in the Swiss Alps after being recipients of the newly created Adventure Award.
The award was established by two Old Stops – who wish to remain anonymous – and it provides Senior School pupils with financial assistance to participate in transformative outdoor and adventure activities.
On the first day Caitlin and Ella walked up to the mountain hut and did some slab climbing. Their International School of Mountaineering (ISM) guide taught them the knots they needed to know.
Another day saw them do some multi-pitch climbing and descend down a boulder slope back to the refuge.
During the week they also learnt key glacier skills such as using crampons for walking up and down steep ice, using pulley systems for crevasse rescue and walking across ice in pairs roped together “in case one of us fell down a crevasse”.
One highlight was catching the beautiful view in the morning sun after waking up at 4:30am and hiking up to 3,500 metres.
Reflecting on the trip Caitlin and Ella said: “We really enjoyed this amazing experience and hope to use these skills in future adventures!”
Outdoor Education Co-ordinator Mr Adam Hughes added: “With the support and collaboration of some generous Old Stops, we have been able to create the Adventure Award to help provide and support pupils with opportunities that may otherwise be out of their reach.
“The main experience on offer is a chance to go to Switzerland and take part in a weeklong Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering course through ISM. The course provided a great opportunity, not just for its technical input, but also the experience of independent travel, exposure to new environments, new people and culture.
“We hope that more pupils will be able to take advantage of this Award and experience ISM in the summer of 2026.”
