A lively example of how one school gets its pupils awash with enthusiasm for Vocational GCSE subjects. Specialist engineering college Ridgewood School in Doncaster are keen to make vocational subjects true to the spirit of each course - and wherever possible they inject initiatives into the courses which move pupils away from traditional classroom teaching. One such project is a raft-building day. Staffs from the engineering and PE departments combine to run this out-door activity day. The PE staff focus on team building and working together, whilst engineering staff teach the pupils how to build a raft which must be robust enough to lift a weight out of the water. The programme explains in detail how the project works both in the classroom and at a local activity centre, and shows how the pupils benefit by combining teamwork, solid engineering practice, and real enjoyment.

Video Series: KS3/4 Vocational GCSEs
Release Date 2006