A Life Skills Session at
At GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar, education goes beyond textbooks and traditional academics. This year, under the inspiring theme “Empowering Futures,” the school has launched a Life Skills initiative designed to equip students with practical abilities and essential knowledge for real-world challenges. One of the standout sessions recently featured Ian, The Mobile Mechanic, who conducted a hands-on workshop for students, teaching them basic car maintenance skills. This session is part of a broader effort to ensure students leave school with academic credentials and practical life skills.
Practical Skills for Real-World Preparedness
The GEMS Founders School’s Life Skills initiative is a testament to the school’s commitment to holistic education. Sarah, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, emphasises, “Our goal is to help students become well-rounded individuals who can navigate life’s complexities with confidence.” The initiative includes a variety of practical skills programs, from financial planning to basic car maintenance, all chosen based on student feedback and industry trends.
The Mobile Mechanic Workshop
The recent workshop conducted by Ian, The Mobile Mechanic, was a highlight for students eager to gain hands-on experience. The session focused on four crucial areas of car maintenance; checking oil levels, monitoring tyre pressure, maintaining windscreen fluid and wipers and a live demonstration on changing a tyre.
Each participant received a practical checklist to guide them through these tasks….
Checklist for the Practical Activities & Tyre Change Demonstration
Workshop Highlights
- Oil Level Checking
- Park the car on level ground.
- Locate and clean the dipstick before checking.
- Refill with recommended oil if necessary.
- Tyre Pressure Checking
- Use a pressure gauge to measure.
- Compare readings with recommended levels.
- Inflate tyres as needed.
- Windscreen Fluid & Wipers Checking
- Inspect wiper blades for wear.
- Refill the washer reservoir.
- Test wipers and fluid spray.
- Tyre Changing Demonstration
- Safely lift the car using a jack.
- Remove the nuts and the tyre.
- Replace with a spare and secure the nuts.
These interactive activities not only captured students’ interest but also effectively bridged the gap between theory and practice. Working in groups, students gained confidence and practical knowledge, setting them up for real-world success.
Feedback from Students
Students enthusiastically embraced the workshop, expressing newfound confidence in their ability to handle basic car maintenance. One participant shared, “Learning these skills was empowering. I feel more prepared to manage a car independently.” Such feedback underscores the value of practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Sarah explains, “Practical experiences allow students to actively participate, making the information more memorable and applicable to real-world scenarios.”
Collaboration with Industry Experts
The collaboration with The Mobile Mechanic and other external providers is a vital component of the Life Skills initiative. These partnerships bring real-world expertise into the classroom, enriching the educational experience and providing students with insights from professionals. This approach aligns with the broader educational goals of GEMS Founders School, focusing on holistic development and preparing students for life beyond school.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, GEMS Founders School plans to expand its Life Skills program, introducing new workshops such as coding and environmental sustainability projects. These additions aim to further enrich the curriculum and prepare students for future workforce demands and global challenges.
Promoting Practical Skills Across Schools
The success of Ian’s workshop at GEMS Founders School serves as a model for other schools interested in implementing similar life skills initiatives. The Mobile Mechanic is available to bring his practical workshops to other campuses, providing students across the region with valuable life skills training.
The Life Skills initiative at GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar is a shining example of how education can be transformed to better prepare students for real-world challenges. By focusing on practical skills and hands-on experiences, the school is not only enhancing academic learning but also equipping students with the confidence and competence needed to thrive in life beyond the classroom.
As Sarah aptly puts it, “Education should not only focus on academic achievement but also prepare students for life. Our initiative is about nurturing future leaders who are equipped with both knowledge and practical skills.”
CALLS to Action
- For parents & students
- Encourage your children to participate actively in these programs. These skills will not only prepare them for immediate challenges but will also equip them for lifelong success.
- For Educators & administrators
- Embrace partnerships with industry experts to enhance learning experiences. Listen to student feedback and continually adapt programs to meet their evolving needs.
- For other Schools
- Consider integrating similar life skills workshops into your curriculum. Ian, The Mobile Mechanic, is available to bring his expertise to other campuses, providing students across the region with valuable practical training. You can contact The Mobile Mechanic at: