YEAR 6 pupils at Linaker Primary School, part of Endeavour Learning Trust, have been building emergency shelters after a visit from members of the local Rotary Club.

The volunteers spent the day working with pupils outdoors, showing them how to construct shelters using tarpaulin, rope and natural materials found around the school grounds.

Working in small teams, pupils had to think on their feet about how to secure their structures, keep them stable and make sure they would hold up against the elements.

Beyond the practical skills involved, the session was designed to prompt pupils to think more deeply about what people need to stay safe and sheltered.

As they worked, pupils discussed the basics of survival, from finding the right materials to positioning a shelter so it offers real protection, and how much can be achieved with simple resources and teamwork.

The activity also gave pupils the chance to reflect on the experiences of people who do not have access to a secure and happy home.

Staff at the school say the session sparked thoughtful conversation among pupils about safety, security and what it means to have a place to call home, helping to build empathy alongside practical know-how.

The visit is part of Linaker Primary's ongoing commitment to learning beyond the classroom, giving pupils hands-on experiences that broaden their understanding of the world around them.

The school regularly works with outside organisations and experts to bring real-world context to its curriculum, helping pupils connect what they learn in lessons to life outside school.

Mark Cunniffe, headteacher at Linaker Primary, said:- “We were delighted to welcome the Rotary Club into school for this fantastic hands-on session. It's exactly the kind of learning experience we want to give our pupils, one that gets them outdoors, working as a team and thinking practically, while also helping them understand and empathise with the experiences of others. We're incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club for giving up their time to share these skills with our children."

The school says it hopes to continue building relationships with local community groups and organisations, giving pupils further opportunities to learn practical skills alongside the values of empathy and teamwork that sit at the heart of school life.