Last updated 14:56, Friday, 27 June 2008

Nick Pool, Edge Learner Forum

MY name is Nick Pool and I’m a member of the Edge Cumbria Learner Forum – for a number of years I’ve also been a Cadet in the Army Cadet Force (ACF).

The Army Cadet Force is one of the UK’s oldest, largest and most successful youth organisations. It has more than 44,000 cadets and 8,000 adult instructors in over 1,700 Cadet Centres spread across the UK.

The ACF helps you develop physically and mentally, improving self-confidence, teamwork, friendship and leadership. It welcomes cadets of all abilities and backgrounds that are able to access the majority of activities. It also aims to develop a sense of community in its cadets.

The ACF is also a gateway to recognised vocational qualifications from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to BTEC First Diplomas which can help in working and school life.

In the ACF there are lots of opportunities to experience practical learning. I have learnt a lot of different skills like map-reading, using a compass, first aid and field craft. These three subjects have given me a good insight into the differences between practical learning and classroom learning.

I learned map-reading and compass in the classroom to a really good standard and I obtained a lot of my skills that way. Interestingly, the majority of people I learnt with didn’t understand what they were being taught until they got outside and actually practised with a map and compass and then they understood what they had been taught.

I think this proves that classroom learning and practical learning work really well side by side as a lot of people learn the basic skills in the classroom but it is doing if for real and learning ‘hands-on’ where you really develop your skills and knowledge.

Nick Pool is a member of the Edge Cumbria Learner Forum – if you want to be involved in the Learner Forum then call Erica Wellings on 016974 76076.