Students are very familiar with the idea that school is for learning. They are perhaps less familiar with the idea that there are valuable skills to be learnt outside lessons and lectures.

This unit looks at opportunities for informal learning outside the classroom, and provides links to the websites of organisations that provide opportunities for volunteering.

Students are introduced to the idea of lifelong learning and the way in which skills and expertise can be developed from taking part in activities as different as joining a drama group or a sports team, running a youth club, or participating in a uniformed organisation. The unit explains that each activity can provide opportunities to acquire new skills of organisation, cooperation, discipline and leadership. These are skills that will stand them in good stead when applying for jobs or even for a place at university.