ART Modules for ringing teachers

A new Tower Captain explains how coming on an ART Module 1 course gave him the skills and confidence to start teaching his own recruits.

An experienced Tower Captain tells how the same ART Module has introduced her to new skills and techniques which enhance her bell handling teaching.

Which is the right Module for you?

ART is probably best known for its Module 1 course, which covers how to teach bell handling. But you don't have to start there – you can attend one of the Module 2 courses before your Module 1 or indeed not do the Module 1 at all. There are two variations of Module 2 [2F and 2C] and the expectation is that teachers complete either one or the other.

Module 1 – Bell Handling

Suitable for those who already teach bell handling and want to update their skills AND for those who have never taught anyone to handle a bell. Module 1 provides you with the skills and techniques necessary to take a ringer from their first lesson to having competent bell control. The practical sessions will give you plenty of time to practise your new skills in a safe environment.

To register for Module 1 we ask that you have sufficiently good bell control to be able to inspire confidence in others and an ability to comfortably raise and lower a bell.

Module 2F – From Rounds to Plain Hunt

This Module shows new and experienced teachers how to support their students and develop the necessary foundation skills for good ringing and then move forward to ringing changes. The practical exercises approach learning in small structured steps and are delivered in a way that is entertaining for the new ringer whilst the theory sessions cover foundation skills, teaching theory, running practices, team building and how to motivate and retain your ringers.

Registration for Module 2F requires that you can ring at least Plain Hunt, in addition to fulfilling all the Module 1 requirements.

Module 2C – From Rounds to Methods

The foundation skill techniques taught in Module 2F are covered in the practical sessions, and then move on to concentrate on the development of change ringing skills using exercises and unusual methods to aid learning.

The transition from Plain Hunt to Plain Bob Doubles and Plain Bob Minor is broken down into several simpler, shorter steps, making the jump into change ringing both more gradual and understandable to the new ringer. The theory sessions turn the spotlight on developing leadership skills.

Registration for Module 2C requires that you have rung a quarter peal inside at Plain Bob Minor standard or above, recorded on Bellboard, in addition to fulfilling all the Module 1 requirements.

Module 1 - Refresher Workshop

A half day workshop based in the tower. It's an opportunity to refresh your memory about the ART teaching principles and the various techniques and exercises used in teaching bell handling.In the words of a satisfied delegate:

"Thank you very much for running the course yesterday, it reminded me of a lot of stuff I'd forgotten and I picked up quite a number of new tips that you mentioned over and above the ART handouts – you probably saw me scribbling away."

To register for this Module 1 Refresher Workshop you need to have already attended a Module 1 day course.

What do people say?

The structure of the ART Training Scheme helps motivate both teachers and learners. A lapsed ringer who recently returned was very impressed by the changes in teaching and by Learning the Ropes.”

Lavinia Sullivan, Wargrave

It certainly reminded me of things I was not actually doing and should be. I got lots of tips about what to do to stimulate interest and get ringers to progress incrementally with little bits of fun. The practical sessions were excellent.”

Brian Baldwin, Woughton

The resources that ART have in place have REALLY helped me. Hooray, here comes Module 2!”

Jane Mellor, Wokingham

The attendees were still buzzing the next morning and the air of excitement percolated through to our students and other ringers, even the sceptics. We are itching to get started, but patience is a virtue."

Lyril Rawlins, St John’s Bromsgrove

We hope to have the Newnham bells ready for the Armistice Ring-out in November. It's over 20 years since we had a band so we’ll be starting from scratch. The teacher accreditation, insurance and DBS checks that ART provides are key to achieving our goal."

Andy Vivian, Newnham