Courses and seminars

The Education Committee is keen to contribute to training events organised within associations and their branches, and members of the committee typically do this several times each year. All our courses have been developed with this in mind, having a degree of flexibility that allows them to be tailored to suit local requirements or specifically targeted student groups.

Some courses are also delivered from time to time on an open basis.

Teaching the Teachers

This modular course is designed to develop essential teaching and tower management skills. Although it is normally delivered over a weekend, shorter versions with fewer modules can also be arranged.

The background to the development of this course as a replacement for the earlier Management, Teaching and Maintenance course was described in an article entitled Courses on teaching published in The Ringing World in May 2007.

Listening skills

Listening is an essential ringing skill, and this very popular one day course explores why many people find it hard to develop.

Using simulators

Simulators are increasingly recognised as an important teaching tool and are becoming more widespread, yet many people still have only a vague idea of what they are and how they can be used.

This seminar introduces the equipment and covers all aspects of its use. Participants are given hands-on experience, and, as this is quite time-consuming, organisers are recommended to arrange parallel activities for those awaiting their turn. The size of the group that can be accommodated depends on this.

Advanced conducting

Conducting is a skill developed over many years and with much practice. Various publications explain techniques such as the transposition of coursing orders but for many people this is difficult to translate into practice.

This course, which is currently in a trial phase, involves assigning an experienced conducting "mentor" to each student. The mentor is there at the end of an email to provide guidance, explain the conducting techniques, answer questions, and generally try to help the students to learn how to conduct more effectively.

The entry level is for ringers who can call simple touches, and there is no upper level. While the format of the course is being tested there is no capacity for further students, but those interested in joining the course in the future should email conduct5040@googlemail.com

Seminars on other topics

Seminars can be arranged on other aspects of teaching and developing ringing skills, for example ropesight or good striking.

These seminars are mainly intended for those with some experience of teaching ringers, and participants are encouraged to play an active role by contributing their ideas and experiences in discussions. Where possible some practical demonstrations or exercises are included.

More information

If you are interested in any of the above courses or seminars, or if you have suggestions of other topics that would be useful, please contact the Central Council Education Committee secretary:

Heather Peachey
E-mail:
Address: Low Wood Lodge, Barnetby-le-Wold, Lincs DN38 6HG, UK
Phone: 01652 688819

the central council of church bell ringers