Academics

During weyrlinghood, lessons tend to be very flexible to accommodate the different availabilities and experience of different weyrlings. Weyrlings will find that these classes can occur at any time during the day, for varying durations and with varying groups of peers. Rarely will the whole class have a lesson at the same time.

Reading and Writing - All dragonriders are expected to be able to read and write, including a basic grasp on spelling and grammar and legible handwriting.

Arithmetic - Makes sure all dragonriders have a firm grasp of basic math - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, ratios...

Geography - As a foundation for sweepriding and visualization, weyrlings will be grilled in the geography of Pern and responsible for knowing the names and boundaries of all majors Holds and Halls, the coverage areas of all Weyrs and notable landmarks and biomes.

Hygiene - A clean rider is a healthy rider! This class covers the basics of cleanliness and its importance. This extends to clothing and equipment of both dragon and rider.

History - These lessons start out with the basics, and weyrlings whose harper lessons got them this far may be excused for other exercises. By midway through weyrlinghood, however, the historiy of Ista and its beholden lands as well as the histories of dragonriders and Weyrs worldwide are covered in greater detail.

Area Relations - An abbreviated study on current affairs between Holds, Halls and Weyrs. While these classes do not go into great detail, they do cover the names of major personalities around Pern and their relations. All riders will knows the names of Weyrwoman and Weyrleaders across Pern, as well as the names of their dragons.

Drum Codes - All riders are expected to know the general drum codes and be able to understand and relay messages.

Basic Dragonhealing -Taught early in weyrlinghood, this class starts with the importance of good hide care and proper feeding and continues throughout weyrlinghood to encompass strains, simple suturing and threadscore. By the end of weyrlinghood, this class will also talk about some more advanced healing, preparing weyrlings should they be called to assist a dragonhealer in an emergency.

First Aid - In conjuncture with dragonhealing, weyrlings are taught how to administer first aid for themselves.