NICAS Courses introduction pack
Introducing the Outdoor Education Department
The Outdoor Education Department at the Perse is a dedicated full-time department that delivers a range of outdoor activities for students attending The Perse Upper and Prep Schools. Outdoor education has a long history at The Perse, starting with the 5th Cambridge Scout Group, which first met in 1909.
Over the years the Scout Group was transformed into a separate organisation known as the Perse Exploration Society with a wider scope for challenging activities and expeditions.
The aim of the Perse Exploration Society is to provide students with leadership and learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Most of all the Perse Exploration Society gives Perse students the chance to experience travel and adventure in some of the remotest places on earth and come away with lifelong memories.
Today, the Perse Exploration Society is split into a number of groups which provide students with a progressive outdoor education. This starts with Trailblazers in Year 3 to Year 6, which takes places in sports curriculum time. Students take part in climbing and campcraft activities at the Upper School site.
Students progress to Base Camp in Year 7, which takes place in timetable and provides all students with the basic skills for living outdoors. Students can then choose to progress on to Ascent Group in Years 8 to 10. This focuses on personal development and student leadership through multiactivity training sessions and camps. In Year 10, students are selected to lead in Ascent Group or to take on the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Scheme.
In Year 11 and Lower Sixth, students participate in more challenging international expeditions through the Summit groups and/ or continue with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to Silver and Gold level. Students in Summit 11 conduct an annual expedition based in canoes to Sweden where they camp out in hammocks and cook over open fires. Finally in Summit 12, students plan and conduct their own mountaineering expedition abroad.
On progressing through the Perse Exploration Society structure, many students choose to give time back to those in younger years by volunteering. We have a flourishing volunteer leadership scheme with over 20 volunteer students in Sixth Form.
The Perse Exploration Society is still the backbone of the department today. However, with an expanded body of students and staff the department now also provides a wide range of extra-curricular clubs such as Climbing Club, Paddlesport Club, Woodworking Club, Archery Club and Perse Climbing Academy.
Introducing NICAS
The National Indoor Climbing Association Scheme (NICAS) aims to develop climbing skills in a safe and structured environment. It covers both indoor roped climbing as well as bouldering, providing participants with a solid foundation in climbing techniques, safety awareness, and personal progression.
MR BEN PARKER
NICAS Course Director
Qualifications:
• Geography BA (Girton College, Cambridge University)
• UIMLA International Mountain Leader
• UK Summer & Winter Mountain Leader
• Advanced Open and White Water Canoe Leader & Coach
• White Water Kayak Leader & Coach
• British Canoeing Endorsed Guide
• Rock Climbing Instructor
• DofE Assessor
• WEISS Bushcraft Instructor
• WEMSI Medical Technician
• Mental Health First Aider
• Archery Instructor
• NRASTC Lifeguard
• Climbing Wall Development Instructor & Foundation Coach
• RSA Rope Access Setter
Climbing Wall Manager
Mr Rory Howard
• BA Leadership in Public Services (University of East Anglia)
• Rock Climbing Instructor
• Climbing Wall Development Instructor
• IRATA Level 1 Rope Access Technician
• Mental Health First Aider
• British Canoeing Level 2 Coach
• Archery Instructor
Deputy Climbing Manager
Miss Sarah Pollard
• British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (hons)
• British Sign language level 3
• Climbing Wall Development Instructor
• Expedition Medic
What we offer at The Perse Sports Centre
Wild Climbers –
Our Wild Climbers courses are for children aged 4-7 years, offering a fun, game-oriented program that introduces young climbers to the indoor climbing environment in a safe and engaging way. The 60-minute sessions focus on developing climbing movements and building confidence.
For more information please visit:
NICAS Climbing and Bouldering –
We offer NICAS Climbing from Level 1 to 4 and NICAS Bouldering from Level 1 to 3 to young people aged 7 years and above. These sessions are designed to help young climbers develop their skills, progress through the levels, and gain confidence in both climbing and bouldering.
For more information please visit:
Class structure
The class structure is designed to provide continuity of attendance and progression at the pace suitable to each child. This reduces the need to move classes regularly to progress through the NICAS Levels.
2 3 4
NICAS Bouldering and Climbing Level 1 and 2 are offered as a single combined course separated into two age categories 7-11 years old and 11-17 years old. Children will remain within their class slot until they have completed NICAS Level 1 and Level 2 in both bouldering and climbing disciplines.
NICAS Bouldering and Climbing Level 3 is offered as a single combined course for 11-17 year-olds.
NICAS Climbing Level 4 is offered as a standalone course for 11-17 year-olds.
Class Absences
Where a child is unwell or unable to attend their weekly class, no refunds will be given.
Parents should give six weeks’ notice if they wish to cancel their child’s place in a climbing or bouldering class.
What NICAS level is most appropriate?
Level 1 New Climber
An entry level aimed at novices that recognises their ability to climb safely under supervision.
Level 2 Foundation Climber
Aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised on an artificial wall.
Level 3 Technical Climber
A more advanced top-roping and bouldering award that focusses on developing technique and movement skills. This is aimed at ensuring a candidate possesses the knowledge and skill to climb and belay safely at any climbing facility (whether or not under supervision or with back-up) and operate in a responsible manner. Achievement at this level is broadly equivalent to a pass at GCSE.
Level 4 Lead Climber
Concentrating on the skills required to lead climb proficiently. Aimed at developing a self-motivated climber who has a wide range of skills and has reached a high level of competence, with a desire to progress by identifying and setting goals.
If your child is under 7 years old, we recommend NICAS Wild climbers. For children 7 years old and above we recommend NICAS Bouldering and Climbing Courses. If your child is new to climbing, then they will start in a Level 1 class. For those with prior NICAS experience, you can apply directly to the level you are working on.
Level 1 New Boulderer
An entry level award for candidates who wish to learn what bouldering is as a physical activity and how to use a bouldering wall safely.
Level 2 Foundation Boulderer
Aimed at helping the candidate to understand how a bouldering wall works, and basic preparation and control while bouldering, with an introduction to equipment and movement skills.
Level 3 Competent Boulderer
Corresponding to most bouldering–only centres’ “membership” standards. This is aimed at ensuring a candidate possesses the knowledge and skill to boulder safely at any bouldering facility and operate in a responsible manner.
Online PortalCourse progress
Students have the opportunity to closely monitor and track their climbing progress through the Perse online portal, a comprehensive platform that provides detailed insights into the skills they have successfully achieved so far, while also clearly outlining the upcoming steps and milestones they need to reach in order to fully complete their course requirements.
COURSE PROGRESS PORTAL
Climbing Competitions-
The Perseverence Climbing Squad
For talented young climbers we run a competition climbing and bouldering squad, which meets on Saturdays (starting sept. 2025). The focus of this squad is to develop young people to take part in the BMC Youth Climbing Series competitions and local competitions.
Climbers are supported by experienced coaches, with focused training for ongoing development and preparation for competitions.
Climbers are invited to participate in the climbing squad. If you would like to express your interest please contact the climbing team on climbing@perse.co.uk
Need help?
Please contact the climbing team on climbing@perse.co.uk for all enquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is a very experienced climber, do they need to start at Level 1?
Yes, if you child has not undertaken NICAS already then, they will need to start at Level 1. Children can transfer from other NICAS centres and resume the grade they are on. Our instructors will move children through the scheme at a pace appropriate to their ability.
Does my child have to do both bouldering and climbing disciplines?
No. Though our classes are combined, and we strongly recommend children undertake both climbing and bouldering disciplines, this is not a requirement. It is important to note that both disciplines are complimentary, and knowledge and skills developed within both will support overall performance.