Ex-teacher helps pupils tackle peak

MORE than 1,200 pupils from a south Wales school have developed a sense of adventure by climbing Pen y Fan.

A different group of students from Pontypridd High School sets off to the Brecon Beacons regularly to take on the challenge.

The scheme was started by former science teacher Steve Axe, who wanted to continue working with the school after his departure.

Steve has a Mountain Leader Qualification and is also a keen hiker, which made him the perfect candidate for the job.

The first year of walks began in 2013, and they have continued to grow.

“One day I was talking to the headmaster, Huw Cripps, about my retirement and what I was planning to do,” said Steve.

“The conversation led on to hill walking and he suggested I could lead groups of children on adventurous walks in the Brecon Beacons for the school. We decided to give it a go for a year initially.”

Due to the fact that the walks have been so successful, they have continued ever since.

Steve said the treks have different benefits to different pupils.

Some find it physically challenging and they benefit from completing a walk that was longer their anticipated capabilities.

Others simply discover something they really enjoy.

“I have not kept a total but we have been on about 110 trips, and the number of pupils, per trip, over that time period, is estimated to be around 1,210 pupils,” added Steve.

Student Shaylee Mitchell said the walks have been beneficial to pupils over the years.

She was in the first group to take on the big mountain challenge a few years ago.

“The school has been running these expeditions for more than three years,” she said.

“Many of the children don’t feel as though they will be able to make it to the top, but with Mr Axe’s help, they always do.

“When they succeed, pupils stop to celebrate their achievements, have something to eat and take in the views.

“I recently went along to one of the treks and one little girl, from Year Seven, was so proud of herself for making it.

“She said she wanted to tell her mum to take her again so her family could get to the top together.”