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We are a good performing, 11-16 Academy who have an embedded careers programme. We applied for the Skillsbuilder accelerator programme to further embed transferable skills across the curriculum. Skillsbuilder assisted in the development of our learners in the short and longer term - the skills matrix provides a firm basis in which to embed the essential skills across the curriculum seamlessly.
Overall impact
I think that the capability for pupils to articulate and provide examples of the key skills is of great value in the longer term The programme is of value to our learners, and I would recommend it's adoption if you're not currently using it!
Keep it simple
We have promoted the essential skills in literature and also on the school website. Staff and pupils have been informed of the importance of essential skills via assemblies and staff inset. All classrooms have posters with the 8 essential skills and are referenced in lessons Curriculum areas, led by good examples from a couple of departments - notably the MFL and Character Education teams, have supported staff in its implementation across the school. Lesson PowerPoints contain reference to the skills at appropriate junctures in lessons, and infographics have reinforced the skills matrix across the school.
Start early, keep going
We have incorporated the 8 essential skills across the school, with a particular focus upon year 7 & 8 pupils who have had lessons delivered by Form tutors related to the Essential skills. Progress and self reflection has been completed by these pupils to monitor progression. In other years other mechanisms for awareness have been incorporated into other aspects of the curriculum, for example in year 10 work experience pupil logbooks pupils reflect upon how that have used the essential skills whilst on placement, and year 11 pupils have referenced them when completing their Post 16 applications.
Measure it
Year 7 & 8 have been self assessing their progress during form time activities. The language of essential skills is used by staff across the school. All teachers have a matrix on their desk to enable them to refer to the skills and use the correct terminology within lessons. All pupils have the skills matrix tracked via the Morrisby careers platform whilst completing careers engagement activities. We also have rewards within the school MIS based on the8 essential key skills.
Focus tightly
Bespoke booklets for use by 7 & 8 pupils in form time skills activities are routinely embedded and the aim is to move up a step each term. Year 10 mock interviews - pupils prepare by being able to answer how they can demonstrate the key skills by employers, who are briefed in using them when asking questions to pupils.
Keep practising
In lessons PowerPoints utilise the infographics and staff reinforce using the skills terminology matrix I have created to facilitate the embedding of the skills in lessons across the school. MEL are particularly adept at this - they have even converted the logos into French!
Bring it to life
Mock interviews, Work experience, careers talks, lessons, rewards!
What's next
The primary goal is to further embed the skills across the school, and keep promoting the language surrounding the essential skills to staff and pupils.
