The intent of our Careers and Community curriculum is to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child. As a result of this, students will become healthy, independent and responsible members of a society who understand how they are developing personally and socially and give them confidence to tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are a part of growing up. We provide our students with the necessary skills to respond effectively to economic and political changes as well as changing patterns of work, and equip students for their adult roles in society, helping them to understand the responsibilities of being parents, citizens and consumers.
We provide our students with opportunities to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. Our students are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community. Our school ethos supports this through encouraging our students to be Ready, Respectful and Safe.
The Careers Education programme at Gildredge House helps students make the most of themselves and their opportunities. In particular, it aims to help students: maintain a culture of high aspirations; develop their knowledge and understanding of the changing nature of work; learning and careers; develop the skills and attitudes necessary for success in modern Britain; develop in students an awareness of the wide variety of education, training and careers opportunities both locally and nationally; extend their understanding of opportunities in learning and work; develop an awareness of the range of opportunities which are realistically available to them in continued education and training at 16+ and 18+; assess their achievements, qualities and skills; develop the necessary decision-making skills to manage transitions; experience the world of work and develop transferable skills; make good use of information and guidance by all members of staff at Gildredge House; recognise and deal accordingly with influences on their attitudes, values and behaviour in relation to work; develop and use their self-knowledge when thinking about course choices; recognise the value and impact their activities at school can have on their future; and develop and use the skills they need to review achievements, plan future actions, make decisions, present themselves well and cope with change and transition.
Within Community we cover all aspects of the statutory Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) curriculum. We aim to support students: To create a cohesive learning community through the promotion of our students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and their physical, social and emotional well-being. To enable all students to develop as fully as possible their interests, abilities and aptitudes and to make additional provision for those who are in any way disadvantaged. To allow students to develop lively, inquisitive minds so that they can be capable of independent thought and formulate their own opinions. To experience enjoyment of learning so that they may be encouraged to take advantage of educational opportunities later in life. To develop appropriate skills in literacy and numeracy. To develop programmes of study and experiences which will enhance students’ self respect and confidence and encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and their actions. To provide students with the necessary skills to respond effectively to social, economic and political changes as well as changing patterns of work. To develop social skills that are necessary to work successfully with other people both inside and outside of the school environment. To equip students for their adult roles in society and help them to understand the responsibilities of being parents, citizens and consumers. To encourage appreciation of, and concern for, the environment. To develop interests and skills that will continue to give personal satisfaction in the use of leisure time. To establish partnerships between the school and the community it serves and help to develop an understanding of the wider community and the ways in which individuals and school relate. To develop a curriculum which enhances students’ knowledge and experience and allows them to learn about themselves and the society in which they live, through a variety of social and moral issues. To provide students with the experience of school as a caring, supportive community where life is enjoyable and there is equal provision of opportunity, regardless of gender, race, culture or ability. To enable students to make informed choices when considering the development of a healthy and safer lifestyle. To give students the confidence to discuss difficult issues by encouraging non judgemental participation by students and staff.
RSE plays a very important part in fulfilling the statutory duties all schools have to meet. RSE helps students understand the difference between safe and abusive relationships and equips them with the skills to get help if they need it. Our aims are: To enable young people to understand and respect their bodies, and be able to cope with the changes puberty brings, without fear or confusion. To help young people develop positive and healthy relationships appropriate to their age, development, etc. (respect for self and others). To support young people to have positive self-esteem and body image, and to understand the influences and pressures around them. To empower them to be safe and safeguarded. To clarify/reinforce existing knowledge. To raise students’ self-esteem and confidence, especially in their relationships with others. To help students understand their sexual feelings and behaviour, so they can lead fulfilling and enjoyable lives. To help students develop skills (language, decision making, choice, assertiveness) and make the most of their abilities. To provide the confidence to be participating members of society and to value themselves and others. To help gain access to information and support. To develop skills for a healthier safer lifestyle. To develop and use communication skills and assertiveness skills to cope with the influences of their peers and the media. To respect and care for their bodies. To be prepared for puberty and adulthood.
Implementation
PSHEE, RSE, careers and drugs education cannot always be confined to specific timetabled time. At Gildredge House, PSHEE is delivered within Careers and Community lessons with a whole school approach.
This includes:
discrete curriculum time delivered by specialist teams, Form Tutors and other staff;
teaching PSHEE through and in other subject / curriculum areas;
through PSHEE activities and school focus days or events; and
through pastoral care and guidance.
At Gildredge House, students have one lesson per week focusing on Life-related matters, including Careers Education and Guidance, Sex and Drugs / Alcohol Education, Personal Social and Health education as well as Financial Capability.
Formal Assemblies and Form Tutor time are used to deliver aspects of the Life programme e.g. Anti-Bullying.
Careers and Community endeavours to help students to lead confident, healthy and responsible lives as individuals and members of society.
Our bespoke programme at Secondary and Sixth Form builds from the Jigsaw programme delivered in Primary. The curriculum allows students to engage in a range of activities across and beyond the curriculum; students gain practical knowledge and skills to help them live healthily and deal with the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues they may face as they approach adulthood.
Careers and Community gives students opportunities to reflect on their experiences and how they are developing. It helps them to understand and manage responsibly a wider range of relationships as they mature and to show respect for the diversity of and differences between people.
It also develops students’ well-being and self-esteem encouraging belief in their ability to succeed and enabling them to take responsibility for their learning and future choice of courses and career. Careers and Community builds on the students’ own experiences and work done in the Primary phase. It also compliments Life lessons in the school curriculum, covering areas such as issues in politics, the law, family, the environment, relationships, British Values, e-safety, self-awareness and the media.
