PARENTS are being given the chance to try out a new skill or hobby as a Derby school tries to get more members of the community into learning.

Da Vinci Community College has joined forces with the Workers' Educational Association to offer courses for adults from April.

The activities, which could include singing classes or tai chi, will see a return of adult learning to the Breadsall Hilltop school after a gap of several years.

If there is sufficient interest, the WEA will run more courses in the autumn term, focusing on subjects including computer skills, literacy and numeracy. Courses which offer formal qualifications could follow in the future.

The move is part of Da Vinci's switch to co-operative status and a representative of the WEA has joined the school's board of trustees.

The only co-operative school in the city, Da Vinci is now a mutual trust, meaning that anyone who studies, works at or with the school is a "member".

As stakeholders in the school, they will be able to influence decisions taken by the board via a members' forum, consisting of elected representatives from each grouping exercising their vote.

Head teacher Mark Cottingham said: "By introducing adult learners to activities and courses, we can all work together to help empower people to make radical and positive changes in their lives."