Essential Life Skills

At Biddenham we deliver Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) through a programme called Essential Life Skills (ELS).

What will I learn?

ELS is divided into five core themes:

• Citizenship
• Health and Wellbeing
• Careers, Enterprise and Employability
• Core Computing and ICT skills
• Relationships
• First Aid (Years 8 and 9)
• Study Skills (Years 10, 12 and 13)

ELS is a programme that covers the requirements of PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education) through which young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. The ELS programme at Biddenham aims to develop the qualities and attributes students need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. It prepares them to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up in such rapidly changing and challenging times. It also helps them to connect and apply the knowledge and understanding they learn in all subjects to practical, real-life situations while helping them to feel safe and secure enough to fulfil their academic potential.

All students will spend two tutor time sessions per week to look at the various issues surrounding Relationships and Sex Education, Personal Safety and Wellbeing, Adapting to Change, and Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance.

How will I be assessed?

There is no formal assessment.

Anything else I need to know?

Schools have a statutory responsibility to provide a curriculum which is broadly based, balanced and meets the needs of all students. As part of this responsibility schools must:

• Promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of students at the school and of society.
• Prepare students at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
• Promote children and young people’s wellbeing. (Wellbeing is defined in the Children Act 2004 as the promotion of physical and mental health; emotional wellbeing; social and economic wellbeing; education, training and recreation; recognition of the contribution made by children to society; and protection from harm and neglect.)
• Promote community cohesion. (Education and Inspections Act 2006; Education Act 2002)

PSHE makes a major contribution to this and as a result it is embedded within the whole school curriculum.

Who should I contact for extra information?

Head of Department Mr P Forster: paul.forster@biddenham.beds.sch.uk