The Association of Ringing Teachers
The Association of Ringing Teachers
The scheme offers an alternative development pathway to method ringing. One that you can follow in parallel with the LtR scheme, or instead of it. The early levels are the same, after all you need to have safe, competent handling skills for any type of bellringing.
The scheme emphasises learning to call and encourages you to become competent at ringing anywhere in the circle, from the lightest to the heaviest bell. Some of the more advanced exercises have been drawn from the peals rung in Devon, where call change ringing is a speciality and the standard of striking is exceptional.
The scheme has five stages, known as levels, with each level developing key skills. When you have completed Level 5, your ringing will be at a standard where you will be able to progress quickly forwards in the exciting and challenging world of call change ringing. To complete the scheme you will have rung four call change performances recorded on BellBoard. The last performance is to call the sequence, Sixty on Thirds.
Call change ringing has traditionally been rung to a very high level in Devon and Cornwall. These two videos show the St Martin’s Guild of Bell Ringers ringing call changes and jump changes. Note the concentration on people’s faces and the wonderful sound.
Ensures you have a strong basic technique. This is important, not only for safety reasons, but in order to facilitate your future progress.
Builds the core skills that you need to competently ring with others. Foundation skills should be practised until they are automatic.
You will practise ringing and calling simple call change sequences on bells of different weights.
Learn how to ring jump changes and named sequences such as Up the Garden Path. Ring up and down in peal on six or more bells.
Call named sequences including Sixty on Thirds and advanced jump call change sequences.
You will be enrolled on the scheme by your ART ringing teacher, who will supply you with your Ringers Advanced Call Change Personal Progress Logbook and register you on the SmART Ringer website, which will allow you to monitor your progress and give you access to a large number of learning resources.
If you don’t have an ART ringing teacher, logbooks are available from the ART online shop. The logbook will enable you to record your personal ringing achievements and help you plan your future targets and objectives. Submission for certificates can only be made by ART ringing teachers.
Learning the Ropes is taught by ART Members and teachers who are working towards ART accreditation. All ART Members have completed one or more Modules of the ART Teaching Scheme, which involves a one-day instruction course followed by up to two years skill development before a final assessment of their teaching. Those who have completed accreditation and become ART Members have also been DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked when they work with young people.