Skills outside the classroom
Team building for Morrison’s pupils
Pupils at Morrison’s Academy took part in the first session of a new team-building programme recently.
The P1 youngsters worked with Bluesky Experiences, based near Methven, on a project titled ‘Striving for the Highest’.
The opening module – the first of many that will be completed between now and when participants reach their sixth year – saw the pupils complete group and individual activities, from blindfold fishing to how to survive a mock air crash.
It is part of an on- going course of investment in the school’s out- of- classroom learning, introduced by rector Gareth Warren since he joined in 2015.
He said: “Learning outside of the classroom is so important to support academic progress.
“When children develop these skills early, they’re better prepared to handle the challenges and pressure of study and exams and to carry that resilience through into adult working life.”
Newly-appointed head of primary, Morven Bulloch, explained: “Problem solving, resilience, and critical thinking are more than academic – they’re life skills.
“Developing these skills at the end of their primary education enhances a child’s ability to access the secondary school curriculum.”
James England, managing director of Bluesky Experiences, said: “It’s important that young people learn these skills – of understanding, resilience, emotional intelligence, team effectiveness and leadership – as part of their ongoing school experience.
“We wanted to develop the ‘building blocks of ‘selfawareness’ through which pupils can reflect on each element of their learning at every stage, ultimately resulting in a school leaver who is strong, empathic and resilient.”