Alternative Provision Climbing Courses

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Education, Qualifications & Progression Through Climbing

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At Above the Crux, we use climbing as an engaging way to support young people in Alternative Provision while developing practical skills, recognised qualifications and pathways into further education and employment.

Our programmes combine climbing, education and personal development, giving young people the opportunity to achieve something tangible and progress towards future opportunities within the climbing and outdoor industry

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NICAS Climbing Qualifications

Our indoor programmes can be delivered through the NICAS climbing pathway, allowing young people to progress through the levels at their own pace.

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Young people can work towards:

NICAS Level 1 → NICAS Level 2 → NICAS Level 3

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Each level develops climbing ability alongside knowledge of safety, equipment, movement, responsibility and the wider sport.

Completing NICAS Level 3 represents a significant achievement and provides a strong foundation for young people who want to continue developing their climbing.

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More Than Just Climbing

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Our courses can support wider educational development, including:

• Physical education and practical learning

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Communication and teamwork

• Personal responsibility

• Risk awareness and safety

• Goal setting and progression

• Developing independence

• Managing challenges and overcoming barriers

• Working towards recognised qualifications

Climbing provides a practical environment where young people can learn by doing and see their own progress over time.

Progression After NICAS Level 3

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For young people who complete NICAS Level 3 and want to take their climbing further, Above the Crux can provide an advanced progression course.

This course is designed to develop the additional skills, knowledge and experience required to move towards future opportunities within the climbing industry.

With further training, qualifications, assessment and experience, this can provide a pathway towards roles such as:

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Climbing Wall Assistant

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A potential first step into working within a climbing centre, developing experience in areas such as customer care, climbing wall operations, safety procedures and assisting with sessions.

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Climbing Instructor

For young people who want to progress further, continued development can lead towards recognised climbing instructor qualifications and a career working within climbing and outdoor education.

NICAS Level 3 → Advanced Climbing Course → Further Training & Qualifications → Climbing Industry

This provides young people with a clear progression pathway rather than simply completing a short-term activity.

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Indoor Courses Available Now

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We currently offer:

• NICAS climbing courses

• Progressive indoor climbing programmes

• Indoor abseiling

• Climbing skills development

• Advanced climbing progression

Programmes can be delivered as structured blocks and tailored to the needs, ability and educational objectives of your Alternative Provision setting.

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Our indoor sessions will currently take place at ROF59 Climbing Centre

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Outdoor Courses — Coming Soon

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We are also developing our outdoor climbing and abseiling programmes, allowing young people to take the skills they have developed indoors into the natural environment.

These programmes will introduce young people to outdoor climbing, abseiling, rock skills, environmental awareness and further progression within the outdoor industry.

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Give Young People a Route Forward

Our aim is to give young people something they can achieve, build on and take with them.

From their first climbing session, through NICAS qualifications and onto advanced climbing skills, we can help create a pathway towards further qualifications, employment and a future within the climbing and outdoor industry.

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If you are an Alternative Provision provider looking to develop a climbing programme for your students, get in touch with Above the Crux to discuss your requirements.

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