LCA Trip to Rally School Ireland

The 5th Year LCA group visited the Rally School on Wednesday for a practical, hands-on session focused on road safety, vehicle maintenance, and real-world driving awareness. The visit linked directly with their Social Education and Vocational Preparation modules, giving students valuable experience outside the classroom.

During the tour, students learned about the importance of seatbelt safety. Staff demonstrated how impact forces work in a collision and why proper restraint is essential for preventing serious injury. This message was reinforced through a demonstration using the upside-down car, where students saw how a vehicle reacts when it rolls. They observed how a seatbelt keeps a person securely in place, even when the car is fully inverted. This experience made the concept far more concrete than any classroom explanation.

The group then moved on to a workshop on basic car maintenance. Instructors showed students how to change a tyre, including locating the jack, loosening wheel nuts safely, and fitting the spare wheel correctly. Students also learned how to check engine oil, why it matters for the health of a car, and how to recognise when levels are too low. These practical demonstrations helped build confidence around everyday motoring skills.

Students also had the opportunity to engage with a virtual reality driving simulator, which allowed them to experience a range of road scenarios in a safe environment.

The trip provided a valuable blend of active learning, safety education, and practical life skills. Students were engaged throughout and responded positively to each activity. Overall, the visit to the Rally School strengthened their understanding of responsible driving and gave them confidence in basic vehicle checks that will be useful long after school.