Caxton Academy – learning beyond the classroom
Apprentices from Caxton Academy went on an interesting field trip in Birmingham. Our partner and training provider, Salutem is based in Aston, which has a mix of buildings, some as new as five years old and others as old as 140. Our apprentices had the chance to observe various masonry facades, bringing their classroom lessons to life.
Bridging theory and practice
Over the past five weeks, the apprentices learned about different types of bricks, architectural blocks, and stones. They explored the different ways bricklayers use these materials in today’s construction projects. They also looked at how old buildings were made compared to modern ones. The trip had three main goals:
- Recognition: could they identify the materials and techniques they’d studied from actual site photos, brochures, and data sheets?
- Observation: they got to see the different materials in person, witnessing how they fit together in real constructions.
- Understanding: armed with a 30-question questionnaire, we wanted to gauge their grasp of the material. This exercise helped highlight what they understood and what needed further review.
A fresh perspective on learning
The feedback from the apprentices was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the opportunity to learn about brickwork in a different environment, stepping outside the traditional classroom setting. It’s clear that this hands-on experience left a lasting impression, reinforcing their understanding of the subject matter while making learning fun.
We’re proud to offer enriching experiences at Caxton Academy. Find out more about Caxton Academy.
