We have looked to engage all ages through the tutor programme. The whole curriculum promotes learning through the Skills Builder approach. This is highlighted in a recent survey (May-June 2021) which showed that 80% of staff and students used Skills Builder skills in lessons. We have also looked to promote the essential skills with our external partners to promote a common language (Futures Interviews, Work Experience for Year 10 and Careers experiences with Year 7 and 8).

All students complete an evaluation, for example: "Molly comes across as really a good communicator and a great team player. Think about what you will do if you don't like doing your chosen career path. It was a pleasure to learn more about you and good luck for the future." Another read, "Josh was clear about the skills needed for music production and his planned career choices in the future. Josh identified how his skills from school, and hobbies, would link to a college course and future work, and spoke about how he uses software to extend and perfect his music and editing skills." We survey all stakeholders in May and November. 80% of staff and students used Skills Builder skills in lessons. Our survey has also directed CPD support for middle leaders to plan the curriculum around our school learning cycle.

Each lesson has a Skills Builder essential skill focus. Whilst this may not refer to the Framework steps, as we would do with Benchmark or tutor time, it has developed the language of skills development. Our Futures Interviews and external partnerships are encouraged to invest in the essential skills. This is extending to our most vulnerable students who will work with the local authority and the West Sussex Fire Service developing skills and self-esteem through a community based project. The Skills Builder approach will underpin this project.

Each day, students use and see the essential skills in lessons (using the skills posters). Discussions about leadership, listening and speaking underpin the behaviour policy. Middle leaders have been asked to identify the essential skills in mid-term planning to ensure these are revisited across the curriculum. This will promote achievement as students link learning to future success and for some make the subject material more relevant as an essential skill is developed alongside knowledge.

We will be using the essential skills during work experience this year. Our Year 10 students took part in the pilot virtual employer event in December 2020 - students constantly referred to the essential skills as they looked to develop a solutions to a task set by UBS coping with isolation whilst working from home. Our students are starting to report and record essential skills on their online evidence platform. This will support them write CVs and present their abilities at post-16 or post-18 interviews.