NORMAL lessons at Okehampton College were suspended for the day last week, when the entire school took part in an innovative 'impact day'.

The day involved a visit by a wide variety of professionals, from the police and HM Prison Dartmoor, to doctors, sports instructors and a drama group.

The impact day was part of the college's personal, social and health education programme. Students from year 7 learned subjects such as alcohol, bullying and healthy eating, year 8 did physical activities, year 9 did drug and alcohol awareness, years 10 and 11 did law and order.

The day was organised by PSHE head of department, Andy Aiano.

Mr Aiano said: 'The students had a fantastic time. There was so much going on, I really think they got a great deal out of it.

'We devoted the whole day to it. This is a new idea for us and we have decided to do five such days a year, on different areas, such as careers, or the environment etc.'

Mr Aiano said the students really appreciated learning about the subjects in a way which differed to normal lessons.

'They do say they remember things more — it really did make an impact on them,' said Mr Aiano, who said the visit by officers from Dartmoor Prison was a great eye-opener for the students.

The sixth form students watched a performance by Soloman Drama Productions of Hampshire, which examined fear and the reluctance that some people face in getting help.

Mr Aiano said: 'What we are trying to do from these days is not get them through exams, but to make an impact so when they leave school, they will be making sensible choices about their lives.

'We are teaching them subjects, but we also have to make sure they are going to cope with life.'

Mr Aiano thanked all the organisations and individuals for their help.