We have moved on to a block of Climbing Sessions with the Outdoor learning class today. The weather is getting cooler, even indoors at www.eica-ratho.com where we climbed, it’s the biggest indoor climbing wall in the world. After kit issue and setting up the equipment, which was complicated for some, we started off using the smaller wall for familiarisation with the Belay technique ‘Bell Ringing’ which allows one climber to climb and two people to connect on and support the weight of the climber safely. This is the best way to  introduce Belaying to newcomers in a safe way. It also forces learners to communicate and talk to each other for safety. learners choose their own routes – personalisation and choice – with lots of difficult concepts and fears to conquer but in a few minutes success if they persisted -challenge and enjoyment –

G showing delicate and accurate footwork, good technique to look down for toe placements. VG for a first time at climbing.

This photo shows the array of holds, bolted on to create different routes. Each colour is a different route, all graded with different difficulties.

This photo shows the scale of the climbing. Steph climbing at 4 storeys high, higher than the school !

Working together