New College Pontefract have a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer, which is expanding every year. One recent addition has been a self-defence class, encouraging students to think about their own personal safety.
The course, provided by Chuldow Martial Arts in Royston, assessed students on their technical competence and then required them to complete an assessment on the laws that underpin self-defence, adrenaline and PATE, a self-defence model. The programme took place over a five-week period, teaching the students the basics of self-defence right up to how to defend against a potential attack, and allowing them to complete a Level 1 Basic self-defence award.
It is yet another example of the way New College helps to develop the whole student, preparing them for life after college not only by focussing on their academic success but also by developing the skills and abilities which will help them prosper in the world outside. Public Services teacher Jon Colley said: “The knowledge the students learnt on the self-defence enrichment activity has empowered our students by enhancing their confidence in their ability to defend themselves. All the students got involved in all activities and they really enjoyed learning new physical skills to defend themselves against a variety of situations.”
