Teaching under 13’s to ring on simulators Teaching at Denmisch Teaching under 13’s to ring on simulators

Denmisch - History Denis and Mischa Thompson (Den-Misch) 10 Saxilby Simulators in garage in Okehampton Mischa donated to Guild of Devonshire Ringers when Denis died Exeter Cathedral School already had bell ringing club Converted old workshop for simulators (and cloakroom) Separate attached room for computer equipment Simulators belong to Guild – used for training sessions and other Guild paid just the excess for installing simulators We pay insurance but don’t pay for space or use School gets free use and instructors

Denmisch – teaching Bellringing club after school 4-5 on Thursday afternoons Up to ten pupils – aged up to 12 Several regular helpers: parents, grandfather, student, headmaster, … Handling learnt very quickly (some ringing alone after 10 mins) Interspersed with handbells and trips up the cathedral tower Set some bells silent for practice with others open Ringing can be fun – but hard to control! Difficult with so many learners at once One pupil keen to lead and call changes Invent their own names for things (eg “strike” for firing) Ringing down sounding like sheep!

Conclusions 12 years old only just motivated enough to ring rounds/hunting Attempt to get them into the real world Simulator gets over being scared of bell Translates well when first put on “real” bell Get used to “real” bells after a few weeks Some successes Oliver is ringing standard 8 and surprise royal Sam is ringing regularly at two towers Some not sufficiently interested (or capable) but know more about ringing now than the general public Ringing can be FUN – much better learning in a peer group