South Yorkshire Times 29th May 1965
Teachers to be Taught How to Combat Mountaineering Problems?
Conisbrough are to make request to County Council
A school with a difference could be run by the West Riding, if a suggestion from Conisbrough is adopted. The “pupils” would be teachers and their “subject” would be mountaineering.
The suggestion was broached by County Coun. Jim Prendergast to Conisbrough Northcliffe High School Governors.
They agreed to his proposal that the County should be asked to organise courses on mountaineering for teachers who lead parties of pupils in mountainous countryside.
After the headmaster, Mr. A.G.G. Young, had reported on climbing expeditions to the top of Snowdon, Ingleborough and Great Whernside, Coun. Prendergast said he had attended a conference at which Mr. Jack Longland, Director of Education for Derbyshire, had called for mountaineering instruction to be provided for teachers.
He Added: “I don’t think teachers have enough instruction in this type of work. Facilities should be there. A course should be organised for teachers and I propose we send a letter asking the County Council to introduce one.”
FELL ROADS
Mr. Young told the Governors that pupils engaged in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme kept to fell roads. Rock climbing, he felt, was more suitable for older boys.
Later Mr. Young told the “South Yorkshire Times”: “If such a course is arranged I shall be prepared to send those masters who would be only too willing to attend.
“If they had knowledge of rock climbing they could take it to the boys, although I do not anticipate allowing boys under 16 years to take part.”