In September 2021, we introduced Skills Builder into Years 2 and 6, but we soon expanded this to cover all year groups from Reception through to Year 6. Staff started by choosing a skill that they felt was most relevant to the needs of their class and then used the short lessons and resources to introduce it. Through the introduction of enrichment sessions into the weekly timetable, we have been able to provide sessions where children have the opportunity to practise and develop their skills. Many of our enrichment sessions have focused on teamwork and being creative - however, these have then also led to incidental Speaking, Listening and Leadership work.

We have made use of the Skills Builder hub to measure the success our children have had with the programme. Staff completed an initial baseline assessment on September 21st. This gave them a starting point for each of the skills. Since this initial assessment, staff have completed further reassessments throughout the school year. Staff also use their AfL (Assessment for Learning) books to record any student demonstrating a particular skill during a lesson. Staff have shared their experiences of using the hub and successes within their classes during some of our staff meeting sessions, led by the Skills Leader.

Staff use the short lessons from the hub to teach some of the skills that they have identified for their classes. Our enrichment programme allows many skills to be addressed and developed over several weeks in different situations. We make every effort to maximise the use of our school grounds by taking learning outside as much as possible. Being outside allows the children the opportunity to develop and practise the use of their essential skills. We encourage children to use their Leadership, Staying Positive, Speaking, Listening and Teamwork skills by completing activities such as orienteering, gardening and working on our school farm. Staff will record observations and informal assessments in their AfL (Assessment for Learning) books.

Children are encouraged to make use of their essential skills in all aspects of school life. Our curriculum driver of Prepared for Life links closely to our work on BLP (Building Learning Power) and uses similar language that the children understand. We make use of external visitors such as sports coaches, artists and musical experts to help the children to understand that the skills that they are learning in lessons such as English and Maths can be transferred to other areas too. We have formed links with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, as such, some of our children have had the opportunity to take part in drama workshops, and even had some of their work featured on a dress worn by the main character during Christmas pantomime. We also run intervention groups during lunchtime, where children can go to the school farm and develop their confidence and social skills.

Each year, every class has the opportunity to elect two school council representatives. To be a representative children must complete an application form and be shortlisted. Each class then votes in private booths for their chosen candidates. Children in Year 6 also have the opportunity to apply for the role of Head Boy and Head Girl - to do this, children must again apply for the role before being interviewed by members of the School Leadership Team. We have visitors from the emergency services who come into school and explain the importance of their role to some of our younger children. Children in Years 5 and 6 take part in residential visits to develop their Teamwork and Problem Solving skills, whilst also learning other key life skills. As part of our ArtsMark journey, children have had the chance to work with different artists to make use of their essential skills, in particular, Creativity, Aiming High, Leadership and Teamwork.