Engaging learners in Joinery Enrichment Sessions at HMP Hindley

Recently, HMP Hindley have been exploring ways to align enrichment opportunities to the existing curriculum areas, to engage and enthuse learners in a new way. The Joinery class took advantage of this opportunity by creating an enrichment programme to further engage learners in the class as well as providing another outlet for them to practice their skills. 

The enrichment sessions ran separately to the course content and aimed to allow learners to develop the skills they were learning on the course through their own creativity. Learners were given very basic instructions so had to work out what tools they required, and the best way to complete their build. Items that were made included a bird box, tea light holder and a bookshelf, all of which were decorated to the learner's own design. 

Due to the flexibility of the enrichment sessions, the class mentor was able to really take the lead and used the opportunity to do demonstrations of how to use the large tools, and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various construction methods. 

Positive feedback

The enrichment sessions were a huge success among the Joinery learners who were extremely positive about the experience, with many of them sending their work home to family members via POPS. 

All learners who took part were very keen to continue with the enrichment sessions so, discussions were held with the class about what they would like to construct, leading the sessions to become very student-led. Through the student-led sessions, learners have become more comfortable with the opportunity to utilise the sessions as a creative outlet. 

By giving learners, the opportunity to help tailor the enrichment sessions, it further engages them in the sessions as they are able to have a say on what they want to do and achieve. 

Through this new opportunity, learners have been able to produce work that they can be extremely proud of and have gained a sense of achievement which boosts morale and self-confidence.

Learners are also able to send their work to their families, which ensures learners still have that connection to home, further strengthening family ties. Also knowing that something they have made is being used and appreciated at home, further boosts morale and gives learners the confidence to continue with the sessions, further strengthening their skills and knowledge in Joinery. 

To learn more about how we engage learners in education through enrichment opportunities, take a look at our 2024/25 creative enrichment strategy.