Life Learning

Intent 

Life learning lessons aim to help children make life choices the keep them safe, happy and healthy. They equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to be independent, responsible citizens who go on to contribute positively to society while preparing them for the world of life and work. Life Learning lessons also help students achieve their academic potential.   

Life Learning lessons promote the British values of tolerance, respect, liberty, democracy and the rule of law.  

Implementation 

Life Learning is taught as a timetabled lesson at KS3 and KS4. At KS5 the learning is delivered as a timetabled lesson in an assembly style format.  Assemblies at KS3 and KS4 also compliment Life Learning themes and are supported by outside agencies and experts in the field for example Essex Fire Service, Essex Police force and Brook. Topical issues and national themed days are additionally covered in tutor time.

Seven core themes are covered and these included: 

Health and Wellbeing 

Rights, responsibilities and British values

Life beyond school

Staying safe online and offline

Relationships and Sex education (RSE)

Celebrating diversity and equality

The curriculum map is reviewed regularly and responds to data and topical issues that arise locally, nationally and globally. Student voice is key to these reviews and planning reflects this. 

 KES Futures

Within Life Learning students learn about post 16 pathways. This includes support surrounding their option choices, apprenticeships, University Applications and the world of work. Students also have opportunities to meet employers from different work places, in Y10 complete work experience, students engage in sessions from the schools' careers advisor and use the online platform Unifrog, a careers support tool.  

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)  

The Department for Education sets out in detail what schools must cover. This guidance can be found at Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education - GOV.UK. We ensure that this guidance plus more is covered. 

Consultation  

It is important that our delivery model reflects the needs of our students, staff, parents and external agencies such as Essex youth services, the NHS and Essex fire services. Parents are informed about topics being covered in lessons and break out days and the head of department is available to discuss the content being delivered. 

Impact  

Students will learn to keep themselves safe, healthy and informed about issues that are relevant to them. Students rank their confidence in lessons at the start and end of topics, this is carried out in place of formal assessment. Students learn how to use their voices to express themselves and share the opinions of others.  

Government guidance

Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education - GOV.UK