Last Saturday (31/1), the Lower Sixth took part in a practical Futures programme event focused on road safety, car maintenance and basic mechanical understanding. The session aimed to equip students with essential life skills that will support them as new or soon to be drivers and cyclists.
The morning began with an introduction to the fundamentals of the internal combustion engine, giving students a clear overview of how a car works and the purpose of its key components. We then explored some of the most common causes of vehicle breakdowns and, crucially, how these can be avoided. Discussions covered the importance of routine checks, the role of MOTs and annual servicing, and simple preventative measures that help ensure vehicle reliability.
The year group was then divided into two groups to take part in hands-on workshops. One group rotated around four different cars (volunteered by brave staff), carrying out real world checks including tyre pressure and tread depth, oil levels, vehicle mileage and servicing intervals, MOT status, and more. This provided valuable experience in identifying potential problems and understanding the responsibilities of vehicle ownership.
Meanwhile, the second group were presented with six deliberately ‘broken’ bicycles. Their challenge was to diagnose and fix the issues to make each bike roadworthy. Students tackled a range of problems such as twisted handlebars, slipped chains, punctured tyres, loose wheels, and other common faults. The two groups then switched activities halfway through the session, ensuring every student gained a full and varied experience.
The students approached each challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity, leaving better equipped with practical skills that they will need for their futures as safe cyclists and motorists. Fortunately, all of the cars survived the experience too.
Mr Tim Waldron
Head of PHSE and RSE
