On the 24th March, Edington Priory will host the first module in the ART Training scheme – teaching bell handling.
Beginning with a day course, both new and experienced teachers will learn various techniques for teaching bell handling, starting with the bell in the ‘down’ position, which is ideal for nervous ringers who can feel daunted by a rapidly moving rope when they first start.
The Ringing Chamber at Edington
The course is a mixture of practical exercises in the tower and some theory sessions where the tutor will lead a group discussion on coaching theory, motivation, teaching people who have different learning styles, safety and the skill of giving relevent, positive feedback.
Because the skills involved in bell handling are broken down into small, manageable steps, new ringers can improve their confidence and bell control gradually. The individual steps also make it easier for a teacher to spot any unhelpful handling habits creeping in, so that these can be corrected and not turn into established faults that could limit the ringer’s progress later on.
Working in Pairs – Practical Exercises
Following the day course, delegates are encouraged to go away and put what they have learned into practice by teaching someone to ring, documenting their own teaching (in a teacher’s log book), completing an online theory quiz and inviting a visiting ART Assessor along to observe them teaching safely and effectively. Once a teacher has been accredited by the assessor, they have completed Module 1 and are eligible to join as Associate members of the Association of Ringing Teachers.
Edington Priory – Course Venue
Edington Priory has an easygoing ring of 10 bells (24cwt) and has hosted several ART courses in the past. Course fees are £20 (payable to ART) and delegates usually enjoy lunch together in the local pub (details available nearer the time).
To request a space, please use the booking form on SmART Ringer here
Moira Johnson will be tutoring the course. Moira is Tower Captain at Church Gresley in Derbyshire where she has been recruiting and teaching a new band using the Learning the Ropes team. Moira is very experienced with recruitment and gave a fascinating presentation on this at the 2016 ART conference.