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At La Sainte Union Catholic School, our mission is to create a flourishing community inspired by the life and teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Rooted in Christian principles, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and compassionate environment that promotes the flourishing of all its members. We are committed to developing students’ skills and knowledge beyond the classroom: all year groups are strongly encouraged to take part in our wide range of councils, clubs, societies and school events. Regular trips and a range of speakers ensure that girls are inspired to consider careers in a wide range of fields, including those not traditionally accessed by women.
Overall impact
The Accelerator programme has ensured that there has been a continued focus on the development of essential skills. Staff and students have begun to get to grips with the language of essential skills, and are already making links between skills and future careers. It has been great to see students start to identify their skill strengths, and think about which skills they may need to develop for their future.
Keep it simple
The language of essential skills is being used in some aspects of school life, for example, in our community enrichment days, students took part in a range of essential skill activities. Staff and students are beginning to become more confident with using the language of essential skills in school life and wider career events.
Start early, keep going
This year, some year groups have been introduced to essential skills through skill workshops, whilst the focus for explicit teaching has been years 7-10.
Measure it
Teachers use assessment for learning and the mapped lessons to ensure their teaching is at the right level for the students. Students are given opportunities to reflect on their essential skills, and start to think about areas for development. In year 7, students complete a skill collage, reflecting on their essential skills for the future. Progress is also monitored and recorded through Grofar.
Focus tightly
Year 7, 8, and 10 took part in essential skills workshops, whilst specific teaching is taking place in Year 7-10 form time and careers. Lessons have been mapped to each year group to ensure consistency, and that students build on their work each year.
Keep practising
Teachers have started to incorporate skills into curriculum lessons – in Health and Social Care, students are thinking about their essential skills through passports, whilst in English, Speaking and Listening are particularly highlighted as part of the oracy programme.
Bring it to life
At La Sainte Union, we host a variety of careers events during the year. Students in year 8 enjoyed the opportunity to apply their essential skills in an enterprise challenge day, whilst year 10 and year 12 reflected on essential skills in their work experience placements. Essential skills have also been introduced with our employer partners, who have built them into their interview questions.
What's next
Next year we will be continuing with the Accelerator+ programme, and are looking forward to rolling out skills lessons to other year groups. We’re also looking forward to building challenge days into our curriculum to really bring the skills to life!
