Curriculum Intent
Life Learning is a planned program of learning through which pupils acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future. As part of a whole school approach, it develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. Life Learning is centered on providing pupils with experiences to become work ready, life ready and further study ready.
Curriculum Features
During each key stage Life Leaning shall focus on 3 core principles that shall be developed and personalised for each child as they progress through their school career.
Core principle 1: Health and Well-being
Across Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils shall be taught:
- how to manage transition
- how to maintain physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing including sexual health*
- about parenthood and the consequences of teenage pregnancy
- how to assess and manage risks to health and to stay, and keep others, safe
- how to identify and access help, advice and support
- how to make informed choices about health and wellbeing matters including drugs, alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet, physical activity, emotional health and wellbeing and sexual health
- how to respond in an emergency including administering first aid
- The role and influence of the media on lifestyle.
Core principle 2: Relationships
Across Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils shall be taught:
- how to develop and maintain a variety of healthy relationships within a range of social/cultural contexts and to develop parenting skills
- how to recognise and manage emotions within a range of relationships
- how to deal with risky or negative relationships, including all forms of bullying and abuse, sexual and other violence and online encounters
- How to recognise “red flags” and harmful sexual behaviours
- about the concept of consent in a variety of contexts (including in sexual relationships)
- about managing loss, including bereavement, separation and divorce (emotions)
- to respect equality and be a productive member of a diverse community
- How to identify and access appropriate advice and support
- Anti-bullying, online safety, risk of sexual exploitation,sexual harassment and violence
- Dangers of harmful sexual behaviours
Core principle 3: Living in the Wider World
Across Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils shall focus on ‘economic well being, careers and the world of work’ and be taught:
- about rights and responsibilities as members of diverse communities, as active citizens and participants in the local and national economy
- how to make informed choices and be enterprising and ambitious
- how to develop employability, team working and leadership skills and develop flexibility and resilience
- about the economic and business environment
- How personal financial choices can affect oneself and others and about rights and responsibilities as consumers.
In the academic year 2021-22 Year 11 shall complete their Life Learning through dedicated form time and assemblies.
Co-curriculum Enrichment
“Drop down” days shall play a vital role in providing pupils with the “real life” experiences of the workplace, culture, trips to college, internet safety, money management skills, crime and LGBTQ to name a few.
Each year group shall aim to take part in two meaningful experiences each academic year. The Life Learning Department shall work alongside innovative external agencies to provide the pupils with a truly memorable learning experience.
Assemblies and form activities support themed weeks and national safeguarding focusses.
Overview
The Life Learning Department is an exciting new addition to the curriculum at Werneth School. It replaces the PSCHE department that was previously in place.
It is a planned program of learning though which pupils acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future. As part of a whole school approach, it develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.
Life Learning is centered on providing pupils with experiences to become work ready, life ready and further study ready. This shall be achieved by focusing on 3 core principles that shall be developed and personalised for each child throughout Key Stage 3 and 4.
Core principle 1: Health and Well-being
In Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils shall be taught:
- how to manage transition
- how to maintain physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing including sexual health*
- about parenthood and the consequences of teenage pregnancy
- how to assess and manage risks to health and to stay, and keep others, safe
- how to identify and access help, advice and support
- how to make informed choices about health and wellbeing matters including drugs, alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet, physical activity, emotional health and wellbeing and sexual health
- how to respond in an emergency including administering first aid
- The role and influence of the media on lifestyle.
Core principle 2: Relationships
In Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils shall be taught:
- how to develop and maintain a variety of healthy relationships within a range of social/cultural contexts and to develop parenting skills
- how to recognise and manage emotions within a range of relationships
- how to deal with risky or negative relationships, including all forms of bullying and abuse, sexual and other violence and online encounters (LOVE ROCKS, Bernardo’s)
- about the concept of consent in a variety of contexts (including in sexual relationships)
- about managing loss, including bereavement, separation and divorce (emotions)
- to respect equality and be a productive member of a diverse community
- How to identify and access appropriate advice and support
- ANTI BULLYING, ONLINE SAFTEY, RISK OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
Core principle 3: Living in the Wider World
In Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils shall focus on ‘economic wellbeing, careers and the world of work’ and be taught:
- about rights and responsibilities as members of diverse communities, as active citizens and participants in the local and national economy
- how to make informed choices and be enterprising and ambitious
- how to develop employability, team working and leadership skills and develop flexibility and resilience
- about the economic and business environment
- How personal financial choices can affect oneself and others and about rights and responsibilities as consumers.
“Drop down” days shall play a vital role in providing pupils with the “real life” experiences of the work place, culture, trips to college, internet safety, money management skills, crime and LGBTQ to name a few. Each year group shall experience 2 drop down days per year. The Life Learning Department shall work alongside innovative external agencies to provide the pupils with a truly memorable learning experience! Please follow the Head Teachers blog throughout the year for pictures and information about these events as and when they happen.
Year 11 shall complete their Life Learning through dedicated form time and “drop down” days.
What skills do I really need to cope successfully within Life Learning?
You need to approach Life Learning with an open mind and a willingness to share new experiences with your peers. At times, there may be issues discussed that may take you out of your comfort zone and it is important that you are honest and open with your teacher so they can make your lessons as enjoyable and as memorable as possible. Life Learning wants to work with you to best prepare you for life after secondary school.
Please find below the Life Learning Curriculum Map for years 7-10.
Life Learning
E-Safety
Any enquiries or questions about Life Learning can be made by emailing the address below...