Working at the Dean Field Studies centre has introduced me to the management of large groups of children in different high rpe activities. The outdoor wall is 15 metres high and we usually operate on 2 sides. one is a slab and the other a vertical wall. 2 lines run on each face. Belaying is operated from the bottom using petzl rigs. The children manage the climber in a 'bell ringing' type system from a ground anchor, but they do not operate the rig on descent.
Depending on the ability of the group, usually ascertained during kitting up, I will run all 4 rigs or limit to only 2. Groups are usually a max of 10 children with teachers assisting.
Sessions are run until November and restart in February and so temperatures range from very cold and wet in the winter months to quite hot in the summer. Both extremes present different challenges as an instructor.
