Rosemary Curtis summarises news and events from the world of local education.

Building bridges over skills gap

YORK pupils will be trying out archery, raft building and an assault course to prepare for a new practical learning scheme.

The scheme, called Bridge, will involve secondary school students spending a day each week out of school learning new practical skills.

To prepare for the scheme, organised by North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership (NYBEP), students are trying out a range of activities. Rosalyn Sands, from NYBEP, said: "The Bridge programme is one of the ways NYBEP helps schools to prepare students for adult and working life."

Action stations for trains fun

The importance of learning will be highlighted at family fun weekend taking place in York on October 11 and 12.

The event at the national Railway Museum is free and will include performances from the Platform 4 Theatre Company and a giant game of trains and tracks. Alison Dickinson, the northern family learning manager for Family Learning Weekend, said: "Family Learning Weekend gives people the chance to spend time as a family having some fun with learning.

"We want to encourage families to make learning part of everyday life."

For information visit www.familylearningweekend.

com or phone 0800 100 900.

Thinking of a teaching career?

People in North Yorkshire thinking of a career in teaching are invited to an event to find out more.

The Teacher Training Agency will be at Harrogate Connexions Centre, Station Bridge, on Saturday, from 10am to noon.

Information will be provided on what to expect from a career in teaching such as salaries, opportunities for progression and the different training routes for adults and for young people.

All are welcome, but booking is required.

For information phone Harrogate Connexions Centre on 01423 871722.

Special school's glowing report

A special school run by North Yorkshire County Council which was previously said to have serious weaknesses has been given a glowing Ofsted report.

Baliol School in Sedbergh takes boys with emotional and behavioural problems from all parts of North Yorkshire.

The new report praises the school for the positive relationships demonstrated between adults and pupils and recognises the school provides well for the boys' development.

Spelling it out for charity cash

Children are being encouraged to take part in a spellathon to help raise money for Mencap.

Children's television show Blue Peter is organising the fundraising drive for children in both primary and secondary schools.

For information phone 0845 9777779.

Keep your cool and be healthy

Healthy water coolers have been installed at Scarcroft Primary School thanks to a York business.

Shepherd Engineering have sponsored the innovation which will see the fitting of two water coolers.

Junior pupils at the school are also being encouraged to bring fruit snacks to help stave off hunger pangs throughout the day.

Updated: 08:56 Wednesday, October 01, 2003