Delving into the curriculum

SCHOOL pupils can learn about life during World War II, as Merseytravel launches a free new education pack on the story of u-boat U-534.  Linked closely to the school curriculum and subject areas including design and technology, mathematics and science, the new U-Boat Story education packs are being rolled out across the region.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive of Merseytravel, which owns and operates the Mersey Ferries and attractions, said:- “The U-Boat Story gives schoolchildren access to a piece of living history and the education pack enables us to increase their knowledge and understanding of topics such as World War II history and the Battle of the Atlantic.  We have enlisted the help of teachers to produce these free educational packs for schools and they include interactive activities, as well as worksheets, quizzes and an information guide about The U-Boat Story.”

The aim of the new resource packs is to give teachers the information and advice they will need for bringing in groups of pupils, including help with risk assessments. 

The pack includes fascinating facts about a typical day on board a u-boat, challenges to help pupils develop problem-solving skills using the Enigma code machine, and the science behind how a submarine submerges.

Mr Scales added:- “We’ve produced the packs to ensure that children can enjoy the exhibits and activities whilst learning at the same time.

We’re already taking booking from schools but others will also see this education package to the U-Boat Story as a good addition to their curriculum planning for up and coming terms.”

To assist with teacher’s planning they can download free differentiated lesson plans for Key Stages 2 and 3.  Activity sheets are also provided and can be used before, during or after a visit to the exhibition. 

For more information visit www.u-boatstory.co.uk.

Ladies Week at Eze Fitness

THIS October Dunes Active Sefton will be giving female members of the community the chance to take part in the hugely successful Community Fitness Week programme. Beginning on the 26 October 2009 and finishing on the 1st November participants will be able to enjoy 7 days of free fitness and also support and guidance from the expert members of Eze staff.

We're constantly bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity 'epidemic'. But a healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us. Our expert team will be on hand to provide all the necessary assistance to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, life enhancing weight.

Around 1 in 3 females are currently overweight at present according to government statistics and the Department of health predicts that if this trend continues 6 million women in the UK will be obese by 2010.  A study by Cancer Research UK also showed that about 6000 middle aged or older women develop cancer each year because they are obese or overweight . The study, which looked at 45,000 cases of cancer in 1m women over seven years, says this is about 5% of such cases. It is published online by the British Medical Journal and blames excess fat for 50% of cases of womb cancer and a type of oesophageal cancer.

Sarah Dack McGuinness, Club Manager at Dunes commented:- “The statistics and research on this subject don’t make for pleasant reading, but we believe we can help with that first daunting step towards a healthier more active lifestyle. This is the reason behind the week being female only, so that women can get the chance to meet others in a similar situation and can work together towards achieving their goals”

Good health is not something which is achieved instantly but Eze Fitness will be there to help guide you through those small steps to make a big difference towards a healthier and more active you.

To take part in the week long programme potential participants can call the club on:- 01704 537160 or come and visit us and sign up with a member of the team.