Aiglon College's much-anticipated annual Aiglon Beckwith Challenge took on new significance this year, as it marked not only the beginning of the school year but also the inauguration of the Aiglon Mountain School— the innovative outdoor programme for junior students which we have worked on, in collaboration with the Aiglon team and Bear Grylls.

The addition of the Mountain School to this important tradition highlights Aiglon’s commitment to blending academic excellence with transformative outdoor experiences.

The Beckwith Challenge serves as an integral part of "Challenge Week," one of Aiglon's thematic focus weeks designed to deepen their understanding and embrace their Guiding Principles.

In what is often simply called “the Challenge”, this remains a time-honoured tradition where students and staff alike unite to hike or run up the local mountain trails, culminating in a finish at Bretaye, a place that embodies the College's unique mountain environment –both in summer and winter. While the Challenge is often seen as a physical test, it is more than just that; it is a celebration of community, perseverance, and the spirit of Aiglon.

This year, however, the event was not just about reaching the summit. It was about the opening of a new chapter for Aiglon’s —the Aiglon Mountain School. This outdoor education programme, developed in collaboration with Aiglon’s expert expedition team, Bear Grylls and his Survival Academy, is designed to immerse our junior students (Years 3-6) in the natural world surrounding our campus. Each week, these students will engage in activities that challenge them to think critically, work collaboratively, and develop a deep respect for the environment.

“Aiglon College stands for so much positivity in education, and I am so proud to partner with them for their Mountain School curriculum, which is part of the Wonder Years,” stated Bear Grylls. “It’s all about encouraging friendships, quiet courage and a never give up attitude. All things that mountains teach us naturally anyway. Bringing this together in a way that is fun, empowering and attainable is what we are all about and this adventure is only just getting going,” he continued.

As the Mountain School ambassador, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy has been instrumental in shaping a curriculum that intertwines mountain-based education with classroom learning. The programme focuses on key themes such as sustainability, interculturalism, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This inquiry-driven curriculum ensures that all students are not only gaining knowledge but also developing the character and oracy skills essential for real-world success.

Alongside their core subjects, learning continues through inquiry projects, what Aiglon refer to as ‘Wonder-based learning’. These projects ignite curiosity in students, fostering a fascination with the world around them while promoting problem-solving skills and real-world applications. Each project integrates content from four main areas: science, humanities, technology, and the arts, providing a holistic learning experience.

“These projects are part of our collaboration with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy to form a Mountain School curriculum, which combines outdoor education with academic learning” stated Nicola Sparrow, School Director at Aiglon College. “This approach ensures that our students not only gain knowledge but also develop character and oracy skills through experiences filled with excitement and challenge.’

“Aiglon Mountain School is a perfect opportunity to build confidence, independence and determination in the next generation of leaders,” stated Anna Humphries, Development and Logistics Manager at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy. “Each week, Year 3-4 students have a dedicated ‘mountain day’ where knowledge and skills developed in the classroom are taken outdoors. Based in the Swiss local mountain huts or other nearby rivers and forests, students undertake personal and team challenges which have been developed in collaboration with our Bear Grylls Survival Academy team.”

The Aiglon Beckwith Challenge itself was, as always, a testament to the resilience and camaraderie that define the Aiglon spirit. As students made their way up the challenging 6km trail, with its 650m elevation gain, they were reminded that the journey is as important as the destination. For many new students, this hike was their first encounter with the mountain environment—a fitting introduction as they embark on their Mountain School journey. For others, it was a longstanding tradition.

“At the Challenge the entire school comes together to run or walk up our local mountain trails to reach Bretaye, the summer alpage that becomes the heart of our winter ski resort in just a few months time,” stated Nicola Sparrow. “This event is an important first gathering opportunity for the school because it encourages everyone to join together as one international community; while we celebrate those who wish to run and try for the best times, the event is not a race. It’s about pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone,” she concluded.

At the summit, the achievement was celebrated by the community. Teachers, parents, and friends cheered on at the finish line offering congratulations and refreshments. Following this, the group enjoyed a relaxing train ride back down the mountain to campus.

The inauguration of the Aiglon Mountain School during the Beckwith Challenge sets the tone for the academic year. It underscored the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, whether in the classroom or the great outdoors, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Bear Grylls himself joined us for this event, his presence and partnership with Aiglon served as a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead when we are willing to push our boundaries.

This year’s Challenge was not just a continuation of tradition; it was the beginning of an exciting new era at Aiglon. The launch of the Mountain School promises to enrich students’ lives, offering them a unique education that balances academic rigour with the lessons learned through adventure and exploration.