Curriculum Intent and Rationale
Our Learning for Life curriculum enables students to develop powerful knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, prepared for life in modern Britain, both now and in the future. Our broad and balanced spiral curriculum builds on knowledge from year to year to develop independent, mature learners who are inquisitive and who challenge and reflect on what is being taught. Embedded within the curriculum are opportunities to explore three main themes; positive relationships, living in the wider world, and health and wellbeing.
All students have weekly Learning for Life sessions with their form tutors. Content is also embedded within Wellbeing lessons. The curriculum is also supported by visits from external speakers and leaders.
Implementing our curriculum
Key Stage 3 and 4
In Years 7 to 11, students are taught Learning for Life by their Form Tutor on a weekly basis. Learners are able to discuss these often sensitive or challenging topics with a familiar member of staff. They also have dedicated Learning for Life focus afternoons throughout the year to enable them to discuss the most sensitive materials with a specialist team of Pastoral Leaders.
Our Learning for Life curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes, and to understand and appreciate alternative views and attitudes which they may encounter in their wider communities. Our sessions are primarily discussion-based, encouraging pupils to share their views and draw conclusions independently, with the mediation and support of a trusted adult.
We provide a coherent, spiral programme of Personal, Social and Health Education, focussing on the three strands of Health and Well-being, Living in the Wider World and Relationships. All of these strands are explored in each year, building and developing skills and knowledge as appropriate to the students’ needs and understanding.