A Day at Tarneit Rise Primary School - Why Bouldering Belongs in Every Schoolyard
There’s something special about seeing a BOULDERING® structure come to life once it’s in the hands of the people it was made for.
Recently, our team - including our Bouldering Specialist, Trenton Johnson-Boe - visited Tarneit Rise Primary School to see how students were interacting with their new BOULDERING® installation. What we found was more than encouraging; it reaffirmed everything we believe about the benefits of climbing in school environments.
Climbing for Everyone
From the moment recess began, students from all year levels streamed toward the walls. What surprised us most wasn’t just the enthusiasm - it was the range of students who gravitated towards the structures.
Different ages, different confidence levels, different personalities - all finding their own way up the wall. Bouldering invites participation without needing a team, equipment, or prior experience. It’s movement that’s accessible, instinctive, and playful.
Teachers told us they hadn’t expected so many students to use it, or for it to become such a natural gathering point. But that’s exactly why we love bringing Bouldering into school settings - it offers a way to move that appeals far beyond traditional play equipment.
Learning Through Movement
Trent spent the morning teaching the students not just the basics of Bouldering, but how to work together: sharing space, encouraging each other, spotting challenges, and celebrating small wins.
The students had thoughtful questions - everything from “How do you choose the colours?” to “How do you decide where the holds go?” Their curiosity showed us how naturally climbing encourages problem-solving and creativity.
And the teamwork element was unmistakable. Students began offering each other tips, celebrating top-outs, and exploring the wall in new ways.
Why Schools Are Turning to Bouldering
Schools are increasingly looking for play and movement options that:
Engage all ages and abilities
Encourage physical activity without competition
Support social connection, teamwork, and confidence-building
Fit within modern, architectural school environments
Offer longevity and low maintenance
Can be incorporated into the school curriculum - including physical education, wellbeing programs, leadership activities, problem-solving tasks, and structured challenges that build strength and coordination
Bouldering ticks each of these boxes. It meets students exactly where they are, and offers both physical and cognitive benefits. As an Olympic-recognised sport, it’s also a safe and accessible introduction to climbing, giving students the chance to learn new skills in a controlled and inviting environment.
Designed for Education
Our structures are engineered for Australian school environments - durable, safe, inclusive, and built to handle high use.
Schools can choose from our core range (BOULDERING®, NEXUS®, or CUMULUS®) or work with us on a fully customised design tailored to their community, space, or curriculum goals.
For schools looking to promote wellbeing, active play, or even leadership programs, Bouldering offers a natural fit.
A Great Day, and a Glimpse of What’s Possible
Walking through the Tarneit Rise yard, with students climbing, laughing, teaching each other, and exploring - it was clear how quickly Bouldering becomes part of the rhythm of a school day.
It’s movement, challenge, cooperation, and creativity - all rolled into something that feels completely natural to kids.
We left feeling proud, and grateful. Proud of the structures, yes - but mostly of the way students had made the space their own.
And grateful to Tarneit Rise Primary School for giving us the opportunity to see firsthand how Bouldering supports young people in a school setting.
Interested in bringing bouldering to your school? Contact our team to discuss your space and what might work best.
