Learning the Ropes
Learning the Ropes is a progressive learning scheme for method ringing, based on the principles of music grades or karate belts.
It has five stages, known as levels. Each level develops key skills. When you have completed Level 5, your handbell ringing will be at a standard where you will be able to progress quickly forwards in the exciting and challenging world of handbell ringing.
To pass level 5 you will have rung five quarter peals on one of two pathways – Doubles or Minor. This will include one quarter peal of Plain Bob Minor on an inside bell.
How does the scheme work?
You will be enrolled on the scheme by your ART ringing teacher, who will supply you with your Ringers Personal Progress Logbook and register you on the SmART Ringer website. This will give you access to a large number of learning resources and a full curriculum.
If you don't have an ART ringing teacher, logbooks are available from the ART online shop. The cost of the logbook is £2.50, and this price includes the issue of electronic certificates of achievement. The logbook will enable you to record your personal ringing achievements and to help you plan your future targets and objectives. Submission for certificates can only be made by ART ringing teachers.
» Buy your LtR Logbook
The Levels
Level 1
Ensures a new ringer has a strong basic technique. This is important, not only for safety reasons, but in order to facilitate the future progress of the ringer.
Level 2
Builds the core skills that are essential for further progression. Foundation skills should be practised until they are an ‘automatic’ ringing action.
Level 3
Takes ringers from Called Changes to Change Ringing, building up to ringing the treble and covering to methods.
Level 4
Reinforces and builds on the skills developed in Level 3. Ringers progress to ringing methods as part of a band of 5 or 6 ringers.
Level 5
The final Level in the Learning the Ropes scheme, Level 5 guides ringers up to confidently ringing methods and onto trebling to complex methods.
