A drive to get boys out of the classroom and instead learning practical skills has been an instant success.

Surf Life Saving event safety co-ordinator Shaun Smith demonstrates mouth to mouth on a mannequin doll.

The initiative between Papamoa Top 10 Holiday Resort general manager Rebecca Crosby and Te Akau ki Papamoa Primary School teacher Grant Cooper was developed after a group of years 5-6 boys were identified as needing a different and more practical approach to learning.

The ‘Boys Education Class' with 28 pupils began in term two this year and runs every Thursday for about an hour.

Rebecca says the class are taught general life skills including how to mow the lawns, fire safety and how to do the laundry and cook a barbeque.

'It's about looking for ways that make the class beneficial and very successful.”

The skills are then taken back and applied to relevant subjects at school.

'It could be in essays or maths equations. It aids in the boys learning.”

Grant says the programme was a success with the pupils looking forward to going down to the Papamoa Top 10 Holiday Resort each week and new pupils already excited to begin next year.

On Thursday, Surf Life Saving event safety co-ordinator Shaun Smith discussed with the class what it takes to be a surf life saver and the necessary skills for when they hit the beach themselves this summer.

The class was shown tips on water safety, how to properly read a rip and what to do when practicing CPR.

Shaun says it was a brief introduction, but hopes some of the boys will be inspired.

'It's a perfect age for them to get involved.

'Maybe from this they will swim between the flags or come and see the life guards.”