Learning for Life

Learning for Life (Personal, Social and Health Education) is a statutory part of the National Curriculum and is an integral part of the student experience at Bancroft’s.

Learning for Life equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, as well as nurture successful relationships and preparing them for life and work in modern Britain. It also helps pupils to achieve their academic potential, and leave school equipped with skills they will need throughout later life.

To embrace the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life, students need knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy. Everyone faces difficult situations in their lives. We ensure young people develop resilience, know how and when to ask for help, and know where to access support.

The teaching team delivers high quality, evidence-based and age-appropriate teaching of these subjects to help prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. In Thirds, students have a weekly lesson delivered by their tutor and JHSM.

In the Removes pupils have a fortnightly lesson delivered by a small groups of specialist teachers who receive regular training and support from the Head of Department. Students in L4th, U4th and Fifths are taught weekly by a small group of specialist teachers. Sixth Form students have one lesson per fortnight with their tutor.

There are also talks and workshops delivered by visiting speakers and organisations as well as off-timetable days to ensure that students have learnt about a variety of issues during their time at Bancroft’s.

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 individuals, family members and members of society. From making responsible decisions about alcohol to succeeding in their first job, students learn how to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up. The Careers Education component is managed by our Head of Careers.

Health and wellbeing

Students who are emotionally healthy do better at school. Learning for Life education helps students to achieve their potential by supporting their wellbeing and tackling issues that can affect their ability to learn, such as anxiety and unhealthy relationships. We also support students to develop skills and aptitudes – like teamwork, communication, and resilience – that are crucial to navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Relationships and Sex Education

Students are encouraged to think about their own sexual and relationships ethics, in an age-appropriate manner. In the same way that young people will have a set of beliefs about how animals or the planet should be treated, they should also begin to create a set of values and beliefs around relationships and sex. We frame our sessions around this overarching aim, reminding students that their ethical framework will be built around their personal social, cultural or religious beliefs, in which their families will have a significant influence. Our role is to provide reliable and up-to-date information which is presented without bias, which will feed into their framework of belief. You can view our Relationships and Sex Education Policy here.