Shocking! Taiwanese Middle School Students Must Conquer 15-Meter Climbing Wall to Graduate

An extraordinary requirement! A Taiwanese middle school forces students to climb a 15-meter high wall before graduation, with no certificate issued if they fail - a test of both physical strength and courage. On February 16, 2026, the extreme rock climbing trend in Taiwan resurfaces after Alex Honnold created a sensation by free soloing Taipei 101's sky-high landmark, sparking increased interest in height-challenging sports. In reality, even before this viral moment, one school in Taiwan has been cultivating rock climbing skills for students over many years. This is Ou-Sui Junior High School, located in Changhua County, which has made rock climbing one of the critical conditions for 'graduating'. The school's highlight is a '15-meter climbing wall', considered the highest among Taiwanese schools. This height is equivalent to a 5-story building and is not just a school decoration, but a true test of student capabilities. Students here must take rock climbing classes six hours per week, training techniques, strength, and self-confidence. The goal is to successfully conquer the 15-meter stone wall, as failing to reach the top means 'not receiving a signature on their graduation certificate'. Although the steep wall might seem terrifying to many adults, for Ou-Sui students, this is a familiar challenge. Children view it as a fun, exciting activity that creates pride rather than fear. Moreover, some families even use rock climbing as a shared leisure activity, with parents training alongside their children, strengthening family bonds and physical health - becoming a unique culture of this school. This unconventional graduation requirement is not just about testing physical strength, but also helps develop concentration, balance, courage, and emotional control. It reflects an educational philosophy that believes 'success' is not measured only by test scores, but includes the ability to overcome one's own limitations.