Students at St Benet Biscops, spent four days takign part in the challenged designed to prepare students for their transition into independent living by participating in a series of challenges and learning new skills for living away from home.

Organised by the Northumberland Extended Services Catholic Partnership (NCESP), the project saw the students living in a cul-de-sac of five houses in Micklewood Park holiday village in Longhirst Hall.

Each house of 7 to 8 students and a 'house matron' had their own kitchen and lounge. This gave them the opportunity to experience living with others and sharing household tasks including preparing their own food.

Deputy head Con Todd said: "During their stay the house teams had several workshop challenges to accomplish such as interview skills through drama role play, challenges like assembling flat packs, wiring plugs, ironing rather nasty complicated shirts, and scraping burnt porridge off the bottom of pans.

"On Sunday the students took part in a Safari dinner party where each successive course is prepared and eaten at the residence of a different host and therefore experiencing at being both host and a guest.

"The students looked at the whole dining experience by cleaning their houses for their guests, choosing their ingredients, ordering on-line within a budget, preparing food and being host."

The youngsters also had their own Diary Room.

Head teacher Nick Bowen said: "For students in the Sixth Form it is only a short time before they find themselves fending for themselves either at university or in the world of work.

"The That's Life experience gives these young people the opportunity to develop skills they will all need for independent living, whilst at the same time develops the skills needed to co-operate and collaborate with their peers.

"I was very impressed with the positive manner in which they all took to the tasks. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the cooking and the way in which they were able to deliver a quality meal on a tight budget."

St Benet Biscop have decided to make the That's Life project an annual event, and are also offering it to other sixth form schools and colleges.

Anyone interested can contact Lyn Horton by email at hortonl@ncesp.org.uk or call (01670) 822795.

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