The  curriculum at Poole Grammar School has three elements:

1) Intent: What do we learn?

2) Implementation: How do we learn it?

3) Impact: How do we know we have been successful?

Intent

The Life Skills curriculum at Poole Grammar School is designed using the PSHE Association Programme of Study as a basis, supplemented by our knowledge of the needs of Poole Grammar students. Each year group will look at a range of topics under the overarching themes of

• Health and Wellbeing
• Relationships
• Living in the Wider World.

At Key Stage 3, pupils build on the skills, values, knowledge and understanding they have acquired and developed during the primary phase. Life Skills acknowledges and addresses the changes that young people are experiencing, beginning with the transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. It teaches the skills which will equip them for the opportunities and challenges of life, and allows them to be more confident in addressing the challenges of effective learning and making a full and active contribution to society.

At Key Stage 4, pupils extend and rehearse the skills, further explore attitudes and values, and deepen knowledge and understanding acquired during Key Stage 3. Life Skills reflects the fact that students are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others.

Implementation

Life Skills is delivered through one lesson a week during Year 7 and one lesson a fortnight across all three key stages. Lessons will be taught by a dedicated team of Life Skills teachers with input from external speakers where appropriate.

In addition to the fortnightly lessons, students will also have one off talks from external agencies and this will be communicated to parents/carers in advance.  More information about our Relationships, Sex Education curriculum can be found within our RSE policy which is available to view or download here.

 Impact

Our Life Skills curriculum will prepare and equip students for a successful life at their current stage and for their futures, both immediate and long term. It will encourage students to have high levels of respect for each other, to consider one another’s wellbeing and enable them to develop into well rounded individuals who support others, manage their own behaviour and are actively seeking social justice. Through Life Skills lessons, students will learn acceptance, tolerance and empathy, alongside strategies to respond to bullying, prejudice and discrimination. Students will also develop resilience, confidence and independence as key aspects of character education.