Prep News
Prep News
Developing Life Skills At St Columba’s we pride ourselves not only on academic and sporting excellence, but facilitating the formation of well-rounded young people who are equipped to deal with the many trials and tribulations which the modern world can throw at them. In the Prep, this is particularly visible through our Life Skills Programme. Staff work closely to ensure that the pupils experience a rich and varied curriculum which affords them many opportunities to try new things, acquire new skills and push themselves in often challenging circumstances, stepping out of their comfort zones and confronting their fears.
Sewing
Practical Skills
Lessons cover everything from sewing on buttons to simple seams, and making the ever-popular Sock Monkeys!
Essential practical skills including wiring plugs, fixing punctures, safe fire lighting and cooking are taught.
Once pupils reach Prep 5 they have a weekly timetabled Life Skills lesson, which covers a wide range of topics and culminates in the Prep 6 trip to the Lake District. Here, each pupil is encouraged to set their own goals and to reach (and in many cases exceed) their expectations, facing their fears and finding out who they really are and what they are capable of. It may be something of a clichĂŠ, but our Life Skills Programme creates true Columbans!
Mr. E. Sullivan-Pond and Mr. M. Turpin
Team Building and Problem Solving
Engineering Skills
Pupils work together to overcome a range of challenges and obstacles, whilst understanding how we all have different skills and abilities, all of which have value.
Challenges include building the tallest tower, the infamous egg drop challenge and other group construction projects.
Communication During the remote learning programme, pupils explored cryptography, using semaphore and Morse Code to effectively send and receive messages.
Orienteering and Map Reading
Exploring our Natural Surroundings
The pupils learn to navigate, orienteer and read maps using coordinates and compass bearings.
Pupils learn to identify trees and plants, conduct tree surveys, grow herbs using homemade propagators, and explore the medicinal properties of herbs and spices in the now infamous tasting session.
First Aid The pupils are equipped with the knowledge to deal with a range of emergencies, including CPR, the recovery position, bandages and rapid response treatment.
Harrison and Oscar in Prep 6 show their models of the respiratory system
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