It is a legal requirement to give a pre-flight briefing before every flight under the UK Air Navigation Order.
As to the contents of that brief, the is as Safety Sense leaflet on the CAA.co.uk web site that makes good reading.
Appreciate OP in SA based, but if trained in the UK, should have had this taught to you and coveted in exam.
Now, as to dunking courses etc, t hat is a different matter. Not been on one yet, but been good feedback from others. BA also do a course where you asctuyalky get to open the emergency exit and slide down the chute. As regards smoke etc, it is a very very useful experience that has GA implications too.