MELISSA Bus and ERIIC Visit Academy 360

Students at Academy 360 recently took part in an immersive learning experience with the NHS MELISSA Bus and ERIIC (Educational Resource through Informative Inflatable Cerebrum), helping them develop a greater understanding of the brain, emotional wellbeing and future career pathways.

The visit, which has become an annual event through Academy 360's longstanding partnership with the NHS MELISSA Bus team, focused on three key areas: careers education, understanding vital signs and exploring the functions of different regions of the brain. By combining wellbeing, science and careers education, the experience helped students make meaningful connections between their learning, their own development and future opportunities.

All Primary Phase pupils and students from Years 7 to 10 accessed ERIIC, the giant inflatable brain, located in the academy library. Learners explored the different areas of the brain, discussed how these regions influence emotions, behaviour and decision-making and learned practical ways to keep their brains healthy and safe. By physically walking through the inflatable cerebrum, pupils were able to connect abstract concepts to their own experiences, helping them better understand emotional regulation and wellbeing.

The interactive and visual nature of ERIIC was particularly beneficial for students with SEND, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging. This aligns closely with Laidlaw Schools Trust's wider commitment to emotional literacy, inclusive practice and specialist SEND support, helping pupils develop a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Alongside this, Year 9 and 10 students, particularly those studying or considering Child Development, Childcare and Health & Social Care, took part in practical healthcare activities on the MELISSA Bus. Using specialist Resusci Anne training mannequins, students learnt how to check breathing, monitor pulses and measure blood pressure, gaining hands-on experience of the skills used by healthcare professionals every day. The sessions also provided valuable insight into careers within the NHS and wider health sector, helping students explore future education and employment pathways.

"Students at Academy 360 have benefitted enormously from the resources, expertise and experiences provided through the MELISSA Bus and ERIIC. These opportunities help make learning memorable and meaningful, while supporting pupils to better understand their wellbeing, develop practical skills and explore future career pathways."

"The interactive nature of both experiences enables learners of all ages and abilities to engage with complex concepts in an accessible way. We are excited to work with colleagues across Laidlaw Schools Trust to explore how more pupils can benefit from these experiences in the future."- Tom Clay, Primary Careers Lead at Academy 360

Following the success of this year's visit, Academy 360 is now working with colleagues across Laidlaw Schools Trust to explore coordinated visits to more academies, with tailored areas of focus for each setting. This will enable more pupils to benefit from the resources while strengthening collaboration and shared learning across the Trust.