OCR Rock Climbing for GCSE PE

We structure our OCR GCSE PE course to your needs and make sure that we cover everything you need in the OCR GCSE PE Specifications. At TrekCo we are very aware, as ex-teachers, of the need to optimise the course in order that students may make as much progress as possible in the time available in order to have the best chance to gain good grades.

Delivering an assessment course

The OCR GCSE PE Specifications for Rock Climbing say that climbing can be assessed inside or outside. This could be a mixture of both over the course of a trip; or if the weather were especially bad on an outdoor course, it could be changed at short notice by moving in to a wall and assessing the same techniques. At TrekCo we usually run traditional outdoor climbing courses.

These skills are straightforward to teach and for teachers to take video evidence of. At TrekCo we will set up video scenarios so that you are able to show that these techniques have been learned and demonstrated by students. Some of the skills aren’t specific – for example ‘ropework’ which is a general term – however our instructors are very experienced and will ensure that the most important elements are focussed on – for example belaying, tying in correctly and so on.

The OCR criteria mentions competitions; these are one part of the spectrum of climbing activities but do not comprise the majority of activity – most climbers are not involved with competition climbing. TrekCo courses are delivered as skills courses.

OCR GCSE PE Criteria

The learner’s level of success in this activity is measured through the areas/aspects identified in the practical activity assessment criteria for GCSE (9–1) – 

Practical Performance

The learner is assessed performing the acquired and developed skills of Rock climbing either indoors or outdoors. Learners may take part in competitions for either: Lead climbing Speed climbing

Core Skills

 to include: Safety: • Fit and secure helmet • Fit harness/belt • Tie rope to harness/clip, figure of eight into Karabiner and tighten • Use of correct climbing calls and communication Knots: • Tie a bowline • Tie a figure of 8
Route planning: • Work out how you are going to traverse the face • Know the conditions you are likely to face (outdoor only)
Bouldering: • Low level traverse
Climbing and descending methods: • Climb showing 3 points of contact • Foot jam • Hand jam/palm plant • Perform a bridge • Abseiling • Safe use of • Perform an abseil controlling own descent
Semi-direct belay: • Single point belaying • Anchor the belayer • Belay a climber using a belay device

Advanced skills

to include: Climbing and descending methods: • Ascend a mantle shelf or overhang • Perform a layback • Heel hook • Flagging • Back stepping • Toe hook
Abseiling: • Knowledge of a Prussik knot
Belay: • Multiple belay • Belay a climber during a fall
Decision making and tactical awareness, to include: • Use of appropriate equipment • Which route to take • When to take risks • Applying tactics to cope with different conditions/levels of difficulty • Applying tactics to a competitive environment • Awareness of conditions • Awareness of strategies/tactics when climbing • Awareness of strengths/weaknesses and actions of other climbers e.g. ability to complete a more technical route and moves to beat an opponent • Application of safety principles • Awareness of the rules and regulations and their application in competitive situations

Details

TrekCo have bibs available for students; you may choose to use your own of course. We will also supply all specialist equipment connected with climbing . When taking part in an assessment teachers need only bring video cameras and the students’ medical forms.

We always work to the current specifications for each board and keep up to date with all requirements; video evidence is paramount for these courses and we absolutely ensure that all skills and requirements are available to be filmed.

We don’t take the video evidence ourselves; instructors are teaching and ensuring safety but will set up each skill to be filmed by teaching staff. This is not only a useful role and a way of ensuring that every student is filmed; but also teachers have the only video of their own students and can take it straight back to school. No delay, no name confusion, no protection issues and maximum efficiency.

General information about our GCSE PE Climbing courses can be found at: GCSE PE Climbing in Sussex and the Peak District