All Year 9 pupils at Lees Brook Academy in Chaddesden were given lessons in life during a day dedicated to skills they may need outside the classroom.
From map reading to first aid, pitching a tent to making hot chocolate on a Tangia stove, students were given a taste of practical learning.
Sophia, 13, said the day had been a departure from normal lessons.
“It was a really nice experience to learn something different. We’re doing our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award so all these skills will be useful for that as well.”
Millie, also 13, said it was helpful to get some practical lessons.
“The things we have been learning are all things we may need in life, particularly skills like map reading, so it’s been really good to have a day to learn about them.”
Teacher and school Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinator Alex Waterhouse oversaw the day. He said the skills were designed to be helpful to all pupils in their everyday life.
“The day was designed to equip students with skills and confidence navigating future life experiences – from that first road trip or holiday away with friends to dealing with emergency situations.
“Many of the skills covered were also designed to enrich students’ academic learning with ‘real life’ cross curricular links throughout the day – including Geography, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, PE and PSHE.”
The skills covered during the day will also count towards expedition training for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which many students are working towards in Year 9.
Lees Brook Academy, which is part of the Archway Learning Trust, is one of the largest providers of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme in the region.
Head teacher Clare Watson said: “We know the value of skills such as first aid and map reading which our Duke of Edinburgh students learn, so we wanted to broaden that out so all our Year 9 pupils could also benefit.”
