Students in new form of exercise

Over 1,000 pupils from the Stella Maris College, Gżira, were given the opportunity to "reach for the stars" during a climbing session which replaced their usual physical education lesson.

The school hired a mobile wall to allow children to try out an activity that helps them develop their physical abilities, such as balance and coordination, along with other skills like problem-solving and team-building.

All the rock-climbing activities took place under the guidance of qualified instructors from Malta Activities and all the pupils were kitted out with safety helmets and harnesses when they climbed the nine-metre wall.

The school believes the introduction of new sports is essential to combat the overweight and obesity trends among children and young people aged 10 to 16, who rate as the most corpulent in Europe.

The mobile wall will be at Stella Maris College on Sunday for those wanting to test their rock-climbing skills and attend the college's open day.