Lessons in life at Battle Abbey

This term Battle Abbey Prep Schools year 6 have been taking part in a series of courses, workshops and activities designed to develop important skills such as life saving, health and safety, first aid, cycle proficiency, lifeguarding and several others.

Headteacher Judy Clark said: "Although our thorough curriculum really helps the children keep that continuity in both their friendship groups and the curriculum, moving from the Prep School in Bexhill to the Senior School in Battle is still a big leap.

"This year 17 of our year 6 Prep School children will be leaving to go into year 7 at the Abbey and it's important that the children are aware of the increased level of freedom and responsibility that comes with this step. As such, we run an annual scheme of personal development courses in order to help prepare them for the transition to senior school."

This half term the children have taken part in the latest two workshops in the programme. I.M.P.S., which is a first aid course operating out of the Eastbourne D.G.H., visited the school aiming to provide children with the skills to keep themselves safe, to act promptly to save life or prevent disability and to help others appropriately should an emergency arise in the future. In addition last week saw the Local Education Road Safety Officer taking the children through their Cycling Proficiency training ending with a test and a certificate.

"The children have approached the courses with great enthusiasm and feel that they have really benefited from each one," said Judy Clark, "we pride ourselves on the self confidence and belief that these children show in themselves when they leave the Prep school, and I have no doubt that this sort of extra curricular scheme is of real benefit to the children."