In Entrepreneurial School at year 7&8, and similarly in year 9’s Year of Challenge, the students work together to solve a real-world problem or improve an issue they have identified within the community. The students at our school also work and volunteer with their local community and use these opportunities to apply and develop the essential skills outside of school.
For some time as the school’s career teacher, I have been trying to get the importance of developing ‘employability skills’ message out. So, I was excited when I saw the blending of Skills builder into the Morrisby Profile software. Each skill is broken down into 16 steps, so students and parents can understand how the activities they do relate to the development of these skills. Extra curricular activities have been linked to the essential skills, this was completed on Morrisby for pupils to see these links:
Participation in music groups such as school bands, choirs, and orchestras (listening, teamwork, aiming high, creativity and, for some, leadership). Participation in sports teams (listening, teamwork, staying positive, aiming high, creativity and, for some, leadership).
Individual curriculum activities such as excursions, up front presentations (various skills and levels depending on the year group and task).
External awards, e.g., Duke of Ed, and competitions, (aiming high).