PUPILS who will attend the new Bulwell Academy have given the thumbs-up to their curriculum.

The youngsters will have three days a week of normal lessons and spend the rest doing practical work.

It is intended this will teach them how to apply what they learn in the classroom to real life situations.

The innovative curriculum has been devised by senior vice principal Scott Burnside to provide pupils with a variety of skills.

The pupils have been getting tasters of what the work-based learning sessions will be like at a number of "super learning days".

At one, they were given the task of coming up with ways to combat global warming.

They split into groups and built wind turbines before having a competition to find out which one produced the most electricity.

At the same time, another group produced a newspaper covering what had been done that day.

And they were impressed with the opportunities they were being given during the sessions.

Callum Broome, 14, was part of the winning group. He said: "It was really enjoyable. It is far more fun than just sitting in the classroom and learning that way."

Nicole Bakewell, 13, said: "I think we learn a lot more by being able to do things like this. I'm looking forward to having more days like this."

Shakira Gabo, 14, was part of the group which produced the newspaper.

She said: "I really enjoyed being able to speak to people about what they were doing and then be given the chance to write about it and take pictures."

Chelsea Hall, 14, added: "Getting outdoors was a really good experience. Lessons like this are a really good way of meeting people and making friends."

Emily Pateman, 14, said: "I learned a lot from the day. It was better than being stuck in the classroom. It is easier to learn things with practical lessons like this."

Mr Burnside said: "These days are all about teaching the pupils what they will be experiencing when the academy opens.

"The curriculum is designed to not only help them pass their exams, but to teach them how to work in groups and to build their confidence, especially when it comes to making decisions.

"We feel they will also learn more from actually getting to do things for real rather than just listening about it."

The academy is set to open in September to replace Bulwell's two comprehensive schools – River Leen and Henry Mellish.

It will initially open on the two old sites until a new building in Hucknall Lane is completed next year.

marcus.boocock@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk