Our school is a one-form entry school based in Birmingham, with an additional bulge class currently in Y6. We have worked with Skills Builder for nearly 6 years now and have really embedded this into our whole-school curriculum and school life. We first became involved with Skills Builder to help raise the aspirations of our students whilst developing skills that will be transferable through the next stages of their educational journey and beyond into the workplace.
We have continued to develop the essential skills across the year in many different ways and continue to further embed the teaching of skills into our curriculum. We have looked to further engage our wider-school staff and highlight the importance of the skills and the vital role each person can play. With more opportunities to go out on trips and engage with our local community, the children have had even more chances to develop their skills in different contexts. By recognising the development of skills as a fundamental part of life at Guardian Angels, we have been able to introduce the expanded Skill Passports (for Staying Positive and Aiming High) as class-based interventions. In the short time that they have been used, the Passports have been able to help children rebuild essential skills linked to cooperative play and self-esteem. This in turn has had a positive impact on these children's learning and relationships with their peers. By further involving wider-school staff in the development and building of the essential skills, we have also allowed the children to maximise their ability to take part in activities that contribute to their skill development. New equipment in the playground - stages, den building, and an outdoor library - have all had a positive impact on children's Problem Solving, Creativity and Teamwork skills.
Our next steps include further promoting the skills that have been embedded into our curriculum by using skill stamps as part of our marking and feedback with the children. We also want to increase parental engagement through our curriculum workshops and have a further push on the parent portal. We are looking at holding pupil celebration events such as art evenings and performances throughout the year as extra-curricular opportunities to develop skills.