Primary school children will be told to ditch the gadgets and write a letter instead in new government ‘bucket lists’.

The Department of Education has announced that teachers and parents will be receiving lists of activities in the New Year for children to complete, which aim to build their “character, drive, resilience”.

Among the activities children will be encouraged to do are painting a self portrait, posting a letter, going on a hike, planning and cooking a meal and flying a kite.

The scheme has received the backing of a host of children’s charities and organisations including the Scouts, Girlguiding, the National Trust and Action for Children.

Announcing the scheme, Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: “I regularly hear from teachers that it’s important that children have the chance to try things out, to get a taste of the world around them, to see and do things that they wouldn’t normally do, or go to places they wouldn’t normally go.

“Experience is a great teacher and can equip children with valuable skills that prepare for any challenges life may throw at them. What’s on the inside – someone’s character, drive, resilience, and the ability to stick to a goal - is just as important as their academic achievements.”