ULT Challenge 2011

Friday, 25^th November 2011

On Wednesday, 23^rd November, Manchester Academy students participated in this year’s ULT Challenge at Holcombe Moor Army Training Camp.

The Army ran an exercise called 'Operation Tellus' which helps all students aged 14 – 19 to use, develop and reflect on a range of important employability, enterprise and work skills.

It is a flexible suite of activities made up of 5 stages that help students to use and reflect on a range of employability /enterprise / work skills. Set in a realistic, but unusual scenario, it makes a different and engaging alternative to business-based enterprise activities.

Working in teams, students took action to assess the situation following an earthquake on the fictitious island of St Mark’s. Over a series of stages they identified populated areas and how many people have been affected, plan the aid they will need, and respond to unexpected developments and setbacks as they deliver aid to refugee camps and towns.

The stages combine desk-based and physical tasks that are accessible to all learners. Students worked with audio and video, written information, imagery and physical equipment. Manchester Academy students came 4th (1 point away from joint third) out of 12 academies.

Our students represented Manchester with vigour and total commitment, and were a credit to our school.

By Mr. Strickland, Engagement Officer
Manchester Academy