We initially became involved with Skills Builder due to a bid by our CIEAG lead which coincided with a project with a local (Cobalt) business park. Both of these opportunities reflected a commitment to ensuring, as well as developing students' academic and pastoral skills, that our students are ready for further study and the world of work. We feel the essential skills are important in building on 'hope, agency and leadership' for all of our learners.
Some of our staff have used Skills Builder essential skills as a focus of their excellence questions and then shared this with other staff through CPD. Within the Year 7 delivery of the listening skill it has been rewarding to see the literacy leaders deliver the sessions with high engagement from the students. In many cases the students have been curious about how they can develop building the other skills too.
We have reviewed the Personal Development curriculum and next year will teach it with a focus on the Skills Builder skills. For example much of our CIAEG curriculum will be taught under 'aiming high.' Staff will specialise in key skills and unpack the essential skills alongside the curriculum skills and content. Curriculum leaders have also identified where essential skills can be unpacked alongside their curriculum. A group of staff have expressed interest in becoming Skills Builder champions and will lead some CPD on this later next academic year.
