A SCHOOL ditched normal lessons to teach children important life skills as part of a new scheme,

United Learning’s Hyndburn Academy took a day off from the usual lessons for a day of ‘super learning’ on Wednesday 5th December.

Running for the first time at the Rishton based school,Year 8 looked at the school’s role within the community, with students paying a visit to three local residential homes - Belvedere Care Home and Springhill Care Home in Accrington and Townfield Care Home in Great Harwood. During the visit, the students chatted to residents and handed out gifts they had made at school earlier in the day.

Over in Year 7, students explored different aspects of keeping safe, including road and on-line safety, whilst Year 9 focused on the importance of acceptance, Year 10 explored social issues including the dangers of drugs and Year 11 looked at careers.

Commented Executive Principal Andy O’Brien said: "We’re really pleased with how well the first one went, particularly Year 8’s visit to the local care homes, which helped emphasise our role as a school at the heart of its community and which we plan to make a regular occurrence."