Learning for Life

Learning for Life is an integral part of the student experience at Bancroft's. Through a carefully sequenced programme of Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), wellbeing, citizenship, careers and personal development, students develop the knowledge, skills and judgement needed to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.

Learning for Life equips students with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, build positive and respectful relationships, engage critically with the world around them and prepare for life, work and study beyond school. It also helps students achieve their academic potential and leave school equipped with the personal and social skills they will need throughout later life.

To embrace the opportunities and challenges of adult life, students need knowledge that enables them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships. We help students develop resilience, self-awareness and confidence, while also teaching them how to recognise risk, challenge misinformation, stay safe online and offline, and know when and how to seek support.

The teaching team delivers high-quality, evidence-informed and age-appropriate learning to help prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Students in Thirds, L4th and U4th are taught weekly by a small team of specialist teachers. Removes and Fifths have fortnightly lessons with a specialist teacher, while Sixth Form students have fortnightly sessions with their tutors.

Learning for Life is a discussion-led subject. Students are encouraged to analyse, evaluate and reflect on a wide range of contemporary issues, considering different perspectives and engaging respectfully with challenging questions. The aim is not simply to provide information, but to develop thoughtful, informed and responsible young adults who are prepared to participate confidently in modern society.

Learning is further enhanced through visiting speakers, external organisations, workshops and drop-down days. These provide opportunities for students to engage with specialist expertise on topics including relationships, sexual health, safeguarding, careers, personal safety, digital citizenship and wellbeing.

Across the Senior School, students study topics including mental health and wellbeing, friendships, consent, online safety, equality and diversity, personal safety, healthy relationships, financial literacy, careers, sexual health, media literacy, artificial intelligence, misinformation and preparation for independent adult life. Content is carefully sequenced and revisited as students mature.

The curriculum is divided into the following three strands:

Living in the wider world

Students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to thrive as active citizens and members of society. Topics include careers, financial literacy, democracy, the law, media literacy, misinformation, online influence, equality and protected characteristics. Students are encouraged to think critically about contemporary issues and their role within a diverse society. The careers Education component is managed by our Head of Futures.

Health and wellbeing

Students explore physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, including resilience, nutrition, substance misuse, first aid, personal safety and healthy lifestyles. The curriculum supports students to develop self-awareness, emotional literacy and strategies for managing challenge, risk and change. We also support students to develop key skills and aptitudes such as communication, teamwork and resilience that are crucial to navigating the opportunities and challenges of modern life.

Relationships and Sex Education

Students are encouraged to consider relationships, sex and personal values in an age-appropriate and evidence-informed way. The curriculum explores friendships, family relationships, consent, healthy and unhealthy relationships, sexual health, online relationships and the impact of technology on relationships. Our role is to provide accurate, balanced and up-to-date information while recognising the important influence of family, cultural, social and religious beliefs. You can view our Relationships and Sex Education Policy here.