His physics lab temporarily transformed into a makeshift kitchen of sorts, Qatar Academy teacher Walter Gammon was in his element talking to several Grade 12 students. This day, however, they weren’t discussing their Theory of Knowledge class which Gammon also teaches and the students need to pass in order to receive their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme certificate. Today’s presentation actually aims to prepare them for life after they have received that coveted diploma and moved on to university.
“This is an idea that came up a couple of years ago when we were discussing how we could best use advisory time for diploma students,” says Grade 12 manager Claire Coull. “The advisory teachers and I thought it was important that our students had some insight and preparation for their university years when they are going to have to be more responsible for looking after themselves”.
The result is a series of life skills sessions scheduled over the next few weeks. The presentations are informal but hands on and practical with the teachers themselves holding demonstrations for the benefit of their students.
Included in the menu for today’s cooking session with Walter Gammon is rice cooked in a beaker and pasta sauce made from the simplest ingredient: canned tomatoes. “I’ve met people in university who can’t cook for themselves because they can’t open a can even though its (canned ingredients) cheaper and easier to use”. His light approach to his demonstration helps him to send across his message. “My point is: none of this is difficult and you can easily do this for yourself,’ he says.
It’s the same message that David McIlroy tried to convey to his group which tried out ironing. After watching a couple of how-to videos online, the students tried their hand in ironing clothes before a friendly contest took place to see who can effectively iron out all the wrinkles from the sample uniform. To make sure they retain today’s ‘lesson’ the students did a step by step guide which will be available on the school’s Moodle platform, according to McIlroy.
“The life skills will include cooking, doing laundry, ironing, changing a car tire, doing a jump start and oil check and banking skills. It is essentially giving the students a chance to have a go at these skills as well as having some fun!” Coull ends.
The Peninsula
