Climbing

At High Ashurst

We've recently reviewed our GCSE climbing programme after running it for several years. Based on our experiences, we've made some adjustments to the course duration.

Completing the EdExcel syllabus in just four sessions can be tough, especially for students new to climbing and knot-tying. That's why we now highly recommend booking 5 sessions for EdExcel pupils.

This extra time allows students to learn and practice the syllabus thoroughly before showing off their skills on video.

We're confident that by extending the course slightly, your students will achieve even better results than before, reaching their full potential. If booking a 5-session course isn't possible, we have prerequisites in place to ensure students are prepared.

This way, we can work with them to improve and perfect their skills.

These skills are:

• tying a rethreaded figure of 8 knot with a stopper (AQA/EdExcel)
• tying a figure of 8 knot on the bight with a stopper (EdExcel)
• tying a clove hitch (EdExcel)
• tying an overhand knot on the bight (AQA/EdExcel)

The syllabus in brackets after the skill indicates whether it is useful for your pupils or not.

Please practice this with your students to ensure that they have the foundational knowledge needed before they begin the activity with us. We will, of course, give your students time to practice these skills again while they are with us.

The following media will provide you with the information required to teach your pupils the prerequisites.

• Film: Tying a figure of eight knot (thebmc.co.uk)
• Rock Climbing Basics: Clove Hitch and Figure 8 on a Bight (youtube.com)
• Rock Climbing: How to Tie an Overhand Knot On a Bight (youtube.com)

On attendance at High Ashurst we ask that students come ready to fully engage.

If any of your students when they arrive are still working on developing their skills, we will be more than happy to provide them with the assistance and time they need to improve.

However, this may mean that they won't have as much time to focus on more advanced skills from the Edexcel syllabus such as setting up a second type of ground anchor or recording with additional belay devices.

Our main priority is helping your students reach their full potential, so we will work closely with you to find the best approach for each individual.

Course

• The course can be delivered in a variety of ways depending on your preferences or schedule.
  • We can offer 4-6 sessions over 2 or 3 days.
• Maximum capacity at High Ashurst for any GCSE climbing course is 32 pupils with a 1:8 ratio.
• We also offer the option of residential stays during weekdays or weekends.

Let us know how we can make your experience the best it can be!

Reports - Administration fee

There will be an additional admin fee per booking for every 8 students to cover the extra resources.

Booking information

In order to give you an accurate quote, complete this enquiry form to visit one of our centres.

This does not commit you to making a booking, instead it helps us to advise you of the best product for your young people, and a bespoke price for your individual needs.